A team of divers from the Royal Navy who specialise in removing Explosive Ordnance Devices travelled to Guernsey on Saturday 14 November, following the recent discovery of what is believed to be a piece of Second World War ordnance near the QE2 marina entrance.
Planning to safely dispose of the device – involving staff from Guernsey Coastguard, officers from Bailiwick Law Enforcement and the Royal Navy – has been underway since the discovery of the device on 11 November.
The team of divers are planning to carry out a controlled detonation of the Second World War ordnance that was recently discovered last week near the QE2 marina entrance.
The controlled detonation is planned to take place on Monday 16 November 2020 at around 12:30pm local time.
The detonation is due to take place at the location of the devices’ current position.
The Royal Navy team will be supported by Guernsey Ports’ workboat Sarnia alongside the States of Guernsey vessel Leopardess, which will be deployed for the devices’ disposal.
Social distancing and other measures to protect all parties from Covid-19 will be implemented on vessels involved in the operation.
Guernsey’s Harbourmaster Captain David Barker said: “Planning between staff from Guernsey Coastguard, officers from Bailiwick Law Enforcement and the Royal Navy has been underway since the discovery of the device last week. We are hopeful the weather conditions will be favourable in the early part of this coming week, which
will help the Royal Navy dive team in their efforts to dispose of the device safely. Mariners should be aware that the 200-metre Exclusion Zone is still in place and should not enter the area until the restriction is lifted by Guernsey Coastguard. Vessel operators should also keep a continuous watch on VHF Channel 16 as Local Notices to Mariners and Guernsey Coastguard Navigational Warnings are and will be in force.”
The Royal Navy, who have been granted a critical worker exemption regarding self-isolation requirements, will be supported by Guernsey Harbours’ workboat Sarnia alongside the States of Guernsey vessel Leopardess which will also be deployed for the disposal.
