WWII bomb blown up in Portsmouth

A WWII bomb, dredged up in Portsmouth Harbour, has been successfully towed out to sea and detonated.

The 500lb (227kg) device was found at about 05:00 GMT, prompting the evacuation of a nearby shopping centre, offices and homes.

Train and ferry services, including cross-channel ferries, were suspended with some passengers stuck offshore for hours as their ships waited to dock.

Royal Navy experts detonated the device at 16:00, about 1.5 miles east of the Isle of Wight.

Portsmouth harbour’s UXO legacy

Portsmouth Harbour’s history as a key naval base during WWII has left it with a legacy of unexploded ordnance. Heavy German bombing campaigns targeted the harbour and surrounding areas, leaving behind numerous devices buried in the seabed. These hidden remnants of the past continue to pose risks, particularly during dredging or construction activities that disturb the seabed.

The current dredging operations in Portsmouth Harbour, aimed at preparing for larger naval vessels like HMS Queen Elizabeth, have uncovered several pieces of UXO in recent months. These discoveries highlight the importance of ongoing vigilance and specialist UXO risk management.

Why UXO risk management matters

Unexploded bombs, like the one found in Portsmouth harbour, are a stark reminder of the hidden dangers lurking beneath the surface. Whether on land or at sea, UXO poses significant risks to public safety, infrastructure, and project timelines. Identifying and safely removing these hazards requires specialised expertise and equipment.

Our marine UXO services

Brimstone can provide a multitude of technical marine solutions to ensure that your project is safe and free of UXO. From desktop studies, through to marine surveys, target investigation and removal of identified ordnance through diver intervention, you can trust us with your marine UXO risk mitigation.

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