A 300-metre cordon remained in place on Tuesday after a suspected unexploded American World War Two missile was discovered in water at Falmouth Docks in Cornwall. Emergency services were alerted at 09:15 BST on Monday to the presence of what authorities believe to be a 250kg (550lb) ordnance device. Three residential properties were evacuated as a precaution, and specialist bomb disposal teams began assessing the munition for safe removal.
The discovery triggered an immediate response from multiple agencies. Royal Navy bomb disposal experts from Bravo Squadron of the Diving and Threat Exploitation Group, based at HMNB Devonport, were deployed to assist Devon and Cornwall Police in evaluating the suspected unexploded ordnance. A military Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team, Falmouth Coastguard Rescue Team, Devon and Cornwall Police, and Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service all attended the scene. Coastguard navigational warnings were issued instructing mariners to stay clear of the affected waters.
Devon and Cornwall Police urged residents and the public to avoid the restricted zones while the operation continued. Superintendent Vicky Howell said the force had extended the cordon around Falmouth Docks following the discovery, emphasising the importance of public cooperation with emergency services instructions.
How are residents being affected?
The evacuation has disrupted the lives of those living near the docks. Tilly Ogilvie, a resident of student accommodation within the cordoned area, reported that she was not permitted to return home. Officers at the scene were unable to provide her with a specific timeframe for when access would be restored. Beatrice Venner, a second-year student also living in the affected flats, said police instructed residents to
wait it outwhile they awaited information from bomb disposal specialists.
Bryony Mirfin, a long-time resident of the area, learned of the incident through social media. She drew parallels to a previous emergency, recalling
when the acetylene tanks were going off [in a fire] 20 years ago, and noted that
it's not even the first time it's happened.
Laurie Mcgowan, Falmouth Town Council member for Arwenack, acknowledged that
a large number of people had been affectedbut commended the authorities' response. He highlighted the significance of the next phase, stating that
the decision around what happens next will be telling in terms of whether they look to take the device away to dispose of it, whether there needs to be any form of controlled explosion within the site. Mcgowan said he was maintaining contact with officials to determine the next steps and appreciated residents' patience during the operation.
What is the nature of the device?
Police confirmed that the object is believed to be a 250kg American missile from World War Two. The device was located in water near the dock area rather than on land. Police stated there was no information to suggest a wider risk beyond the established cordon. Specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams were conducting a detailed assessment of the munition to determine the safest method for its removal and disposal.
What happens next?
Falmouth Harbour confirmed that the object will be moved for disposal once the assessment phase is complete. Specialist teams were continuing to evaluate how the device could be safely removed from the water. Police and harbour authorities maintained their request for the public and boat users to avoid the restricted area while the operation proceeded. Residents awaited further updates on when the cordon would be lifted and normal access to the area restored.
Key Facts:
- A suspected 250kg American World War Two missile was found in water at Falmouth Docks on Monday morning
- A 300-metre exclusion zone was established, with three residential properties evacuated
- Royal Navy bomb disposal experts and multiple emergency services attended the scene to assess and safely remove the device
- Residents and boat users were advised to avoid the restricted area while assessment and removal operations continued
- Police confirmed no information suggested a wider risk beyond the established cordon
