The device was dredged up from the marina
Shannon Brown Senior Reporter
07:35, 16 Jan 2026
(Image: Sue Cameron)
A large, unexploded World War 2 bomb dredged up at Exmouth Marina has been safely taken out to sea where it is expected to be detonated today Friday, January 16.
The device was found on Wednesday and a series of cordons resulted in thousands of people being asked to leave their homes while emergency services and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units decided what to do with the historic bomb.
The bomb has since been removed from the marina and taken out to sea.
It is expected to be detonated at sea later on Friday.
The cordon, initially set to 100m, then 400m and later extended to 600m, has been removed and residents are allowed to return to their homes.
Around 5,500 people were evacuated from their homes over Wednesday and Thursday.
Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Nikki Leaper said the bomb had been safely removed and was now at sea.
She said: “I cannot thank residents of Exmouth enough. Their collective effort to get out of their homes was appreciated. We don’t take this lightly. We had to extend the cordon and I know how frustrating that can be. It’s people’s sanctuaries.
“The multi-agency partnership working over 72 hours, I’m so proud of all our partners. We are trained to do this. All cordons are now lifted and people can return to their homes. It is out at sea at the moment about to be detonated.”
Ass Constable Leaper said the bomb weighed 250kgs and she believed it may have been dredged up by recent storms.
She added: “I understand it was third largest type of bomb that was used. We have had a real community spirit here. It was unprecedented to to have two WW2 bombs at the same time (the other in Plymouth). My understanding is it goes to the sea bed and they put a charge on it. Our professionals know what they are doing.
“I’m very proud of our officers and staff of Devon and Cornwall Police, we have asked people to stay on to deliver a safe environment for our communities. I hope the team will now get well deserved rest. It is a team effort, and that includes our colleagues at the council and the military as well as volunters.”
The plan, as confirmed by East Devon District Council on Thursday evening, was to transport the device out of the marina during Friday morning’s high tide, at 4.40am.
This was successful and the bomb is due to be detonated later this morning, ACC Leaper confirmed.
ACC Leaper said in a statement: “We’d like to thank local residents for their patience at what we appreciate was an alarming and difficult time. It was amazing to see everyone pull together.
“Safety of residents was always our paramount concern working with the military, East Devon District Council and other partners.
“We are well prepared for incidents such as this, but I’d like to additionally thank all agencies for their support in bringing this matter to a safe conclusion.”