Archive · 23 Sep 2026
339 Homes Evacuated After WWII Bomb Found Near Falmouth
Experts found a very large bomb from World War II in the water near Falmouth.
The bomb was probably dropped by an American aircraft more than 80 years ago.
It did not explode when it was originally dropped.
Because it may still be dangerous, police created a large safety area around it.
People in 339 homes were asked to leave by Wednesday morning.
Special Royal Navy divers and bomb-disposal experts are working on the problem.
All Saints Church was opened as a safe place for people who needed somewhere to go.
Trains between two Falmouth stations were stopped while the work continued.
Officials did not know exactly how long people would need to stay away.
A suspected 250kg American bomb from World War II was found in waters about 40 metres off Pendennis Headland.
Authorities placed a 755-metre exclusion zone around the device and included 339 homes in the evacuation area.
Residents were asked to leave by 9am on Wednesday, although police said they could not force evacuations.
Royal Navy mine-clearance divers from Bravo Squadron and other bomb-disposal specialists are assessing the device.
Train services between Falmouth Town and Falmouth Docks were suspended during the operation.
- Who
- Residents of 339 homes, Devon and Cornwall Police, Cornwall Council, Royal Navy divers and bomb-disposal specialists are involved.
- What
- A suspected unexploded 250kg American air-dropped bomb from World War II was found, prompting an evacuation and transport disruption.
- When
- The device was found on Monday morning; residents were asked to leave by 9am on Wednesday, with specialists expected to move it later that day.
- Where
- The bomb was found about 40 metres off Pendennis Headland near Falmouth Docks in Cornwall.
- Why
- Authorities established the exclusion zone and evacuation to protect people while specialists assessed and moved the potentially dangerous device.
- Homes affected
- 339 homes are inside the evacuation zone.
- Device
- A suspected unexploded American air-dropped bomb weighing about 250kg.
- Discovery site
- About 40 metres off Pendennis Headland near Falmouth.
- Safety cordon
- A 755-metre exclusion zone was established.
- Specialist support
- Royal Navy mine-clearance divers from Bravo Squadron are assisting.
- Evacuation deadline
- Residents were asked to leave by 9am on Wednesday.
- Transport impact
- Train services between Falmouth Town and Falmouth Docks were suspended.
