A suspected bomb in the waters of Stonehouse, Plymouth, triggered a major emergency response yesterday, 16 March.
Police, HM Coastguard, and the Royal Navy bomb disposal team rushed to the scene and remained there until the early hours of this morning.
After a detailed investigation, authorities have now confirmed the object was not an explosive device and that it has been safely removed.
HM Coastguard was first alerted to the submerged object at 2:46 PM, prompting an immediate response from emergency services.
Devon and Cornwall Police swiftly cordoned off the area near Royal William Yard while the Royal Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team prepared to inspect the object at low tide.
As the evening progressed, emergency services increased their presence, with additional police officers and Coastguard teams arriving on-site.
The bomb squad remained on standby, awaiting low tide at 11:45 PM to safely assess the object. By late evening, the cordon was extend, restricting access further.
A spokesperson for HM Coastguard told Plymouth Plus:
"At around 2.46pm yesterday afternoon, HM Coastguard was made aware of an object suspected to be ordnance submerged in waters at Stonehouse, Plymouth.
Alongside Devon and Cornwall Police, an HM Coastguard Rescue Team from Plymouth and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team were called.
The item was inspected by the EOD team just before midnight, who deemed it not to be ordnance and removed it safely for disposal. All units were subsequently stood down".
It comes after a 500kg German World War Two bomb was found in a Plymouth back garden last year, triggering the largest ever peacetime evacuation in UK history.
Thousands of residents were forced to leave their homes as bomb disposal teams worked around the clock to secure the device.
The bomb was eventually detonated at sea in a controlled explosion, highlighting the ongoing risks posed by historic ordnance in the Plymouth area.
Plymouth Plus was on the ground throughout the evening, providing real-time updates.
Our live coverage captured the unfolding events as emergency teams worked throughout the night.
