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A team of divers from the Royal Navy are planning to carry out a controlled detonation of the Second World War ordnance that has been discovered near the QE2 marina entrance.
The detonation is set to take place at around 12:30 today.
"We believe at this stage, there is little risk the device will cause damage to property or critical national infrastructure," said Guernsey's Harbourmaster Captain David Barker.
“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."
Pictured: Footage of the World War II ordnance, captured by Mat Le Maitre.
The Royal Navy team - who have been granted critical worker exemptions - will be supported by Guernsey Ports’ workboat Sarnia and the States of Guernsey vessel Leopardess, which will be deployed for the device’s disposal. Social distancing will be implemented on vessels involved in the operation.
Mariners have been advised that the 200-metre Exclusion Zone that was set up last week is still in place and that no one should not enter the area until the restriction is lifted by Guernsey Coastguard.
Captain Barker said: "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.”
Pictured: The Sarnia workboat assisting the divers by the Reffee Buoy yesterday (Credit: Dylan Ray)
Pictured top: Divers from the Royal Navy surveying the World War II ordnance that was discovered near to the entrance to the QEII Marina (Credit: Dylan Ray).
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