UK: Unexploded WWII Bomb at Falmouth Docks Forces Evacuation of Over 300 Homes in Cornwall
An unexploded World War II bomb found off Pendennis Headland near Falmouth Docks prompted the evacuation of 339 homes on Wednesday. A 755-metre safety cordon was set as Royal Navy Bravo Squadron divers prepared to move the 250kg American air-dropped munition. Train services were suspended and a reception centre opened at All Saints Church.
An evacuation of more than 300 homes is under way after an unexploded Second World War bomb was found near Falmouth Docks in Cornwall. Police have set up a 755-metre cordon and a bomb disposal team is assessing the device. It was discovered about 40 metres off Pendennis Headland on Monday morning and is thought to weigh about 250kg.
The Royal Navy said mine clearance divers from Bravo Squadron were working on an unexploded "American air-dropped bomb", Sky News reported. The clearance operation led emergency services to coordinate a multi-agency response across land and sea, establishing exclusion zones to guarantee public safety before moving the ordnance. World War 3 Fears: Andy Burnham Warned of Russia Strike Over Ukraine Support, UK Defence Sites on Alert.
Evacuation Protocol and Community Measures
People in the evacuation zone were told to leave their homes by 9am. Police and council staff have been going house to house, but officers said they couldn't force people to go.
Superintendent Vicky Howell, from Devon and Cornwall Police, said the cordon had been extended overnight. She urged people to avoid the area and follow emergency services' instructions. Those who can't leave due to medical or other reasons have been asked to let police know. Russia Vows To ‘Intensify’ Strikes on Kyiv After Massive Drone Barrage on Moscow During Parliamentary Elections 2026.
Superintendent Ian Thompson said the bomb would be moved by experts later on Wednesday, but it's currently unclear how long the evacuation will last. Cornwall Council said a total of 339 homes were in the evacuation zone and All Saints Church on Killigrew Street was open if people needed a place to go.
Transport Disruption Across Falmouth
The security perimeter has disrupted local travel connections throughout the seaside town. Trains between Falmouth Town and Falmouth Docks have been suspended while the operation takes place, with rail services halted from 8:45 a.m. to protect commuters while divers handle the device.
Bus routes in the vicinity have also faced diversions, and maritime traffic near the harbour entrance has been instructed to observe exclusion markers until disposal experts complete the relocation of the munition.
Historical Context of Wartime Munitions
The discovery off Pendennis Headland is part of a recurring pattern of wartime relics emerging across southwest England. Another wartime bomb was found not far away on a Plymouth building site in April, forcing the evacuation of more than 1,000 homes.
That came two years after another evacuation due to a 500kg German bomb. The city - home to the Devonport naval base - was one of the most-bombed locations in the Second World War. It's believed around 10% of bombs dropped on the UK did not explode and such discoveries are not uncommon.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 23, 2026 04:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
