Dredging operators found an unexploded WWII bomb in the Portsmouth Harbour while they were preparing the port for the arrival of the Royal Navy’s new Queen Elizabeth- class aircraft carriers.
The latest discovery, which occurred in the morning hours of November 16, brings the total number of historic ordnance found in the harbor to three since September this year.
As a precaution a 500-metre cordon is in place around the barge while cross-channel ferries cannot currently leave or enter Portsmouth port.
Royal Navy bomb disposal experts have inspected the device and a plan is in place to tow it out of the harbour and destroy it in open waters off the eastern Isle of Wight.
“This is the third piece of historic ordnance found in the harbour during the dredging works since September. Again we are working with Hampshire Police to ensure we deal with this incident in the safest way possible, at the same time causing least disruption to the city,” Portsmouth Naval Base Captain Bill Oliphant said.
Dredgers have also uncovered an iron canon of unknown age and identity in February this year.