WW2 Bomb Sparks Chaos in Portsmouth Harbour – Major Delays Hit Shipping
A World War Two German bomb packed with “high explosives” has been uncovered in Portsmouth Harbour, sparking a major safety alert this evening. The dangerous WWII mine was dredged up near the Bar Channel – the crucial main shipping route in and out of Portsmouth – just after 7pm.
Harbour Shut Down, All Sailings Delayed
Authorities swiftly closed Portsmouth Harbour, halting all ship movements as bomb disposal experts assess the threat. This isn’t the first time unexploded WWII ordnance has surfaced during harbour deepening works designed to accommodate next-generation Navy carriers.
Current delay fallout includes:
- Two container ships bound for Portsmouth stuck anchored near St Helen’s.
- Brittany Ferries’ Pont-Aven stranded in port.
- Container ship Crown Garnet also halted.
- Inbound Brittany Ferries vessels Mont St Michel and Etretat held up.
A 500-metre exclusion zone is in place around the Stemat 87 near the 1 & 2 Bar Buoys. While Wightlink Ferries remain just outside this zone and are still running, they report delays of around 50 minutes due to separate technical issues.
Bomb Disposal Team Ready to Act
The Southern Diving Team leads the bomb removal operation. An officer on scene said:
“My team is assessing the situation to work out how we can remove the bomb swiftly and safely with help from contractors, the Queen’s Harbour Master, Hampshire Constabulary, and our operations centre. Despite their age, these devices remain a very serious threat.
“As always, the Royal Navy stands ready to respond and keep people safe.”
Community Impact and Next Steps
Hampshire Police have stayed tight-lipped on the size of the bomb disposal operation and the wider impact on local communities. More explosive devices have been found since harbour upgrade work began, raising fresh concerns.
Stay tuned as authorities continue efforts to make Portsmouth Harbour safe again. Watch our exclusive footage of previous ordnance blow-ups coming soon.
