Full Breakdown
Hundreds Evacuated After Unexploded WWII Bomb Found Near Falmouth Docks
By Drooid · · How we work
The Incident and Immediate Response
A suspected World War II-era American bomb was located in the water close to Falmouth Docks. Police and the harbour authority set a safety cordon of roughly three-quarters of a kilometre and ordered residents within the zone to leave. Cornwall Council, Devon and Cornwall Police and the Royal Navy deployed specialist teams, including Explosive Ordnance Disposal officers and mine-clearance divers, to assess the device. Rendering the bomb safe was scheduled for early afternoon, with plans to move it further out to sea.
Data and Statistics
- The unexploded device is described as a 250-kilogram American bomb (some reports said 250 lb).
- A 750-metre cordon was reported.
- 339 homes across 18 postcodes were cleared.
- The cordon reached the waterfront near Pendennis Headland, about 40 m from the shoreline.
- Train services between Falmouth Town and Falmouth Docks were suspended; Great Western Railway said replacement buses could not run because of the incident’s nature.
Official Statements & Responses
Superintendent Vicky Howell (Devon and Cornwall Police) thanked residents, businesses and the public for their cooperation and urged continued avoidance of the restricted zone. Superintendent Ian Thompson (west-Cornwall police commander) said police volunteers would conduct door-to-door checks, offering assistance to those with medical or mobility challenges.
MP Jayne Kirkham (Truro and Falmouth) confirmed the Royal Navy expected to start making the device safe at 2 p.m., hoping residents could return home by evening. She noted All Saints Church on Killigrew Street was operating as a respite centre offering tea, coffee and basic support.
Cornwall Council coordinated the evacuation, provided an online postcode checker and arranged additional refuge space at the local Salvation Army hall. The Royal Navy’s Bravo Squadron divers were tasked with examining the bomb, while Great Western Railway warned of possible extended disruption to the rail link.
On-the-Ground Reports
Residents described the scene as “quite scary” and called for greater transparency. They were instructed to take only essential items—medication, phones, chargers and keys—and not to delay evacuation to collect non-essential belongings. Local volunteers and police officers knocked on doors to confirm everyone had left safely.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Bomb weight: 250 kg vs. 250 lb.
- Cordon length: 750 m vs. 755 m.
- Number of evacuated homes: “more than 300” vs. 339.
- Duration of evacuation: Authorities have not announced when the cordon will be lifted or when displaced residents can return.
Verbatim Quote
- “Specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal officers are on the scene and we are working closely with our partner agencies to manage the incident safely.” — Videos Your Say She