WWII Bomb Found Near Southsea Shuts Down Hovertravel Service
Suspected Wartime Ordnance Halts Travel
Hovertravel’s busy route between Southsea and Ryde was brought to a sudden halt on Tuesday morning after construction workers uncovered a suspected World War II bomb near Southsea Common at around 9:30 am.
The bomb, discovered during sea defence works close to the Hovertravel terminal, sparked a swift response from local authorities. Police cordoned off the area immediately while bomb disposal experts were called in to secure the site.
No Services, No Update Yet
Hovertravel had hoped to resume operations by early afternoon, announcing an update at 12:45 pm. But as of 5:00 pm, the service remained suspended with the next statement expected at 6:45 pm.
“We apologize for the inconvenience caused to our passengers. The safety of our customers and staff is our top priority, and we are working closely with authorities to monitor the situation,” a Hovertravel spokesperson said.
Travel Chaos and Local Warnings
The disruption has left commuters and tourists stranded, with no crossing between Southsea and Ryde. Businesses near the evacuation zone have also been warned to stay clear until the bomb disposal team completes their work.
Passengers are urged to keep an eye on Hovertravel’s website and social media for the latest updates as this dramatic situation unfolds.
