Unexploded WW2 bomb detonated at sea

An unexploded World War Two bomb that forced the evacuation of about 2,000 people from their homes has been safely detonated at sea, causing a small plume of water.

The suspected 250lb (115kg) American air-dropped bomb was discovered in the water at Falmouth Docks on 21 September, leading to a major emergency response and the evacuation of residents from more than 300 households.

Lt Matt Bowden, officer in charge of Royal Navy Bravo Diving Unit 1, said a diver attached an explosive charge to the bomb and detonated it.

Despite blustery conditions on Tuesday, Bowden said the operation was "a fairly straightforward procedure for us".

Bowden said his team had dealt with four air-dropped weapons this year and more unexploded bombs in 2026 than in the previous five years combined.

"An American airdrop weapon is quite unique for us, not rare but unique," he said.

Bowden said crews had waited six days before approaching the bomb because its fuse could potentially have detonated at any point during that period after it was moved.

He said successful operations were always rewarding for the team.

"We want to return the situation to normal as quickly as we can, to lessen the impact on the local community," he said. "When we have successful jobs like these, it really galvanises the team and it's a really, really good story for us."

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