Controlled detonation of Second World War ordnance due to take place this afternoon
ROYAL NAVY divers are planning to carry out a controlled detonation of the Second World War ordnance that was discovered last week near the QE2 marina entrance.
It is due to take place today [Monday 16 November] at around 12.30pm and is planned to take place at the location of the device's 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 device's disposal.
Social distancing is one of the measures that will be used on the vessels involved in the operation to protect all parties from Covid-19.
Guernsey's Harbourmaster Captain David Barker said planning between staff from the local 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, which will help the Royal Navy dive team in their efforts to dispose of the device safely,' he said.
'Mariners should be aware that the 200metre exclusion zone [near Reffee Buoy] 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 Warning are, and will be, in force.'
Yesterday, divers from a Royal Navy bomb disposal team carried out a formal assessment of what is thought to be a piece of Second World War ordnance that was found near the entrance to the QEII Marina on Wednesday.
The team worked from a rigid inflatable boat that operated in co-ordination with the Guernsey Harbours work vessel Sarnia.
Yesterday’s inspection was carried out in the early afternoon on the low spring tide when sea conditions were rough.
The Royal Navy team have been granted critical worker exemption regarding the current self-isolation requirements.
Guernsey Harbour master Captain David Barker said last week that the general public could be reassured that everything was being done by the agencies involved to get the device removed and disposed of in a safe manner.
