More than 300 households were scheduled for evacuation on Wednesday morning as experts continued to manage a suspected unexploded World War Two bomb discovered near Falmouth Docks on Monday. An initial exclusion zone of 300 meters (984 feet) was in place around the suspected 250lb (115kg) American device, which was found in water.
Cornwall Council initially announced that the cordon might expand to 1,400 meters (4,593 feet), potentially affecting up to 1,309 homes. However, this plan was revised to a 755-meter (2,477 feet) cordon, impacting an estimated 339 households. Superintendent Ian Thompson of Devon and Cornwall Police urged residents within the revised cordon to leave their homes by 9:00 AM BST.
Operational Response
Cornwall Council stated that reception centers were prepared and support would be provided for those needing assistance to leave their homes. A link with postcodes of affected addresses was made available by the council. Rail operator GWR announced the suspension of train services between Falmouth Town and Falmouth Docks from 8:45 AM BST on Wednesday, with services expected to resume once the device is safely removed and the cordon lifted.
Lieutenant Commander Ben Brown, commanding officer of the Royal Navy's Bravo Squadron bomb disposal team, confirmed that navy experts were assisting police with the unexploded ordnance. He described the ongoing planning as involving "a whole plethora of planning" with various options, including a potential controlled explosion. Brown noted that while the device was on the larger side of what the team typically handles, it was not as large as some found in Plymouth earlier in the year.
Police emphasized that public safety was the priority and that military personnel could not safely remove the device until the area was clear. Partner agencies continue to assess the ordnance to determine the safest course of action. Three residential properties were evacuated as a precaution on Monday, though residents had since returned home. The public has been advised to stay away from restricted zones.
Resident Experiences
Among the residents affected was local singer Will Keating, who expressed curiosity about the bomb's history. "I'm quite intrigued to find out a bit more about the bomb, where it's from and about the history of it," he said. Student Maisie Page, who recently arrived in Falmouth for university, described the situation as "very nerve-wracking."
Beatrice Venner, a second-year student living in accommodation within the cordon, was told to "wait it out" by police on Monday. She acknowledged the expertise of the bomb disposal team, stating, "The bomb disposal people, it's their job... so hopefully they can dispose of the bomb."
Cornwall Council member Laurie Mcgowan commented on the number of people affected and praised the authorities' handling of the incident. He indicated that decisions regarding the next steps, such as removing the device or conducting a controlled explosion, would be significant.
Emergency services in attendance included a military Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team, Falmouth Coastguard Rescue Team, Devon and Cornwall Police, and Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service.