Hong Kong police blow up WWII Japanese bomb found in waters off eastern New Territories
Aerial bomb discovered in waters east of Sai Kung’s Shek Ngau Chau at depth of 13 metres thanks to citizen’s report
Hong Kong police have safely detonated a 500-pound bomb (227kg) discovered in waters off the eastern New Territories, which had been dropped by Japanese fighter jets during World War II.
The object was brought to the attention of authorities by a citizen’s report filed on September 15. The bomb was found in waters east of Shek Ngau Chau in Sai Kung at a depth of 13 metres (43 feet).
The force confirmed on Tuesday that the ordnance was a 500lbs Japanese aerial bomb dating back to World War II.
A team of bomb disposal specialists destroyed it in a controlled explosion at 2.46pm.
Police shared a video online that included clips of divers approaching the bomb and its detonation underwater, creating a large white churn on the sea’s surface.
The force said the explosive ordnance disposal unit, the special duties unit’s water assault team, the small boat division, marine police and the unmanned aircraft systems team had worked together to safely dispose of the bomb.