A large unexploded World War Two bomb discovered at Exmouth Marina has been safely removed and taken out to sea, where it is due to be detonated later today, Friday, January 16.
The 250kg device was dredged up from the marina on Wednesday, prompting a major emergency response. A series of safety cordons were put in place, initially covering a 100-metre radius before being expanded to 400 metres and later 600 metres, resulting in the evacuation of around 5,500 residents over Wednesday and Thursday. The cordon has now been lifted and residents have been allowed to return to their homes.
Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Nikki Leaper confirmed the device was successfully transported out of the marina during high tide early on Friday morning and is currently at sea awaiting detonation.
She said: “I cannot thank residents of Exmouth enough. Their collective effort to leave their homes was greatly appreciated. We do not take these decisions lightly and understand how disruptive this has been. It is people’s sanctuaries.
“The multi-agency partnership working over the past 72 hours has been outstanding. All cordons are now lifted and people can return to their homes. The bomb is now at sea and about to be detonated.”
ACC Leaper said the bomb was believed to be the third-largest type used during the war and may have been uncovered by recent storms. She added that specialist teams would place a charge on the device once it reached the seabed.
“It has been unprecedented to deal with two World War Two bombs at the same time, with another incident in Plymouth,” she said. “Our professionals know exactly what they are doing.”
East Devon District Council confirmed the bomb was moved during the morning high tide at 4.40am, with detonation planned later on Friday.
In a further statement, ACC Leaper praised the community response, saying: “We’d like to thank local residents for their patience during what we appreciate was an alarming and difficult time. The safety of residents was always our paramount concern, and it was amazing to see everyone pull together.”
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