The evacuation order for thousands of individuals has been lifted, allowing them to return to their homes. The 300m cordon that was put in place around the disposal route has been removed.
Over 10,300 individuals and approximately 4,300 buildings were included in the section that was blocked off by law enforcement.
The bomb has been transported past the breakwater by Devon and Cornwall Police Superintendent Phil Williams. At approximately 5pm, it was loaded onto a boat from a military vehicle at the slipway.
According to the Ministry of Defence, this is one of the biggest peace-time evacuations in the UK since World War II.
Plymouth Sutton & Devonport and the shadow armed forces minister, has paid tribute to the army and emergency services on X.
Councillor Tudor Evans of Plymouth City Council expressed gratitude to the armed forces for their courage in successfully removing an unexploded bomb from a garden and disposing of it at sea.
“I believe it is safe to say that these past few days will be remembered in Plymouth’s history. The discovery of this bomb from the war has truly revived the spirit of camaraderie, with everyone coming together to support one another. Despite the challenges, we have successfully overcome it.”
I am grateful to the courageous bomb disposal experts who risked their lives to remove the WWII bomb from the Keyham garden. They carefully loaded it onto a truck and drove it slowly to the slipway, where it was then transferred onto a boat and taken out to sea for a safe detonation. This event serves as a prime example of the exceptional abilities of our armed forces as a naval city.
I would like to acknowledge all the other groups that have shown exceptional community resilience and exemplify the true essence of public service. Numerous Council employees joined forces with various organizations to aid the residents of Keyham and ensure the safety of our city.
Lastly, I would like to express my gratitude to the residents of Keyham, Ford, and Devonport. The past few days have been filled with a range of emotions and I want to commend the community for their assistance in the evacuation and for supporting our efforts to safeguard their homes.
This is a memorable day that I will always remember. I am extremely proud of Plymouth.
The biggest shipyard in western Europe buzzes with activity.
However, a sense of stillness descended upon the region on Friday as over 10,000 individuals were forcibly removed from their residences and jobs in order to remove a World War II bomb that was dropped on Plymouth by the German air force 80 years ago, which was buried in a backyard.
The police evacuated parks, ferries suspended their services, trains came to a stop, schools closed, and everyone held their breath as a military convoy slowly transported a 500kg bomb through the terraced streets that descend to a slipway by the River Tamar.
Afterwards, it was carefully transported by boat to Plymouth Sound, passing Drake’s Island and the breakwater, in order to explode at a safe distance from the city’s roads.
The residents in the Keyham neighborhood, where the bomb was found, were relieved to finally reach a satisfactory resolution after a challenging few days.
Cassie Dunton, an employee at a nearby motorcycle store, commented on the recent events, saying, “It’s been a bit of an odd week, hasn’t it? These are uncertain times. It makes you wonder how many more bombs are out there, waiting to be discovered. But it’s reassuring to see everyone coming together and supporting one another. This community is truly special – we take care of each other.”
A male individual claimed to have accompanied two companions to Devil’s Point in Plymouth in an attempt to witness the removal and explosion of a bomb at sea.
Adam informed BBC Radio Devon that since their arrival a few hours ago, it has become significantly darker, making it more difficult to see.
The Devon and Cornwall Police have verified the military mission as a success.
National Rail announced on social media that rail services to and from Plymouth have resumed, following the relocation of the bomb into the water.
Police chief superintendent Ian Drummond-Smith wrote on X said: “The bomb has gone to sea!
“Thank you to all for your understanding and positive attitudes.”
Source: theguardian.com
