Police successfully disposed naval mine in a controlled manner
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The bomb was a spherical British naval mine from the World War II, measuring one metre in height, 1.5 metres in length and about one tonne in weight with 500 pounds of high explosives inside. Officers of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau successfully disposed the naval mine underwater in a controlled manner at 1.09pm today.
Police have made comprehensive preparations and deployment plans before conducting the operation, including consulting relevant departments, exploring with stakeholders, holistically assessing the influence of the operation as well as adopting all possible measures to minimise the impacts on the marine environment.
In view of the underwater disposal, the Marine Department has restricted the waters within a one-kilometre radius of the naval mine. Police have also cordoned off the hiking trails in the adjacent areas to keep the public away for safety reason. The airspace around Cape D’Aguilar was listed as temporary restricted flying zone as well.
Police express gratitude to the public for their understanding and co-operation. Restrictions were lifted immediately after the naval mine disposal operation so as to minimise inconvenience to the public. No person was injured. The restricted areas at Cape D’Aguilar were reopened at 1.50pm and marine traffic resumed normal at 3.30pm.
Full co-operation by the Marine Department, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, the Government Flying Service and the Civil Aviation Department contributed to the swift and smooth completion of the operation.
On August 9, Police received a report from a member of the public that a suspected bomb was found when he was diving in the waters to the East of Shek O. Police immediately conducted investigation and confirmed on August 19 the naval mine was located in the seabed 15 metres underwater and 1.4 kilometres to the northeast of Cape D’Aguilar. After thorough assessment, Police disposed the naval mine today to neutralise the relevant threats.
Ends/Friday, September 9, 2022
Issued at HKT 16:15
Issued at HKT 16:15
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