WWII Bomb Blast Delayed: New Detonation Time Set After Glitch
A massive 500kg German bomb from World War Two was found lurking on the seabed in Portsmouth Harbour, sparking a tense bomb disposal operation. The Royal Navy found the deadly device during dredging work ahead of the arrival of the new aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, due next spring.
Bomb Disposal Experts on the Case
Explosive experts planned a controlled detonation between 10am and 11am today. The bomb was towed just after midnight into open waters, 1.5 miles east of the Isle of Wight, for a safe blast away from civilians.
Detonation Drama Unfolds
But the mission hit a snag. A dive at 11:30am revealed the bomb had already exploded at 7am without producing a visible plume. This unexpected twist forced the Navy to consider a second controlled explosion to ensure the threat was fully neutralised.
The dramatic operation highlights the persistent dangers of forgotten wartime weapons lurking beneath UK waters, even decades later.
