Explosive ordnance disposal specialist Ramora UK has safely disposed of an unexploded World War II mine at an offshore wind farm in England. The four-man Ramora UK team used a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to place a countermining charge next to the 1,500-pound mine, which had been assessed as high risk due to damage previously sustained to it.
Throughout the procedure, a 1,500-meter safety zone was maintained to protect other vessels in the area, according to Ramora. A controlled explosion was then initiated from a safe distance, leaving an underwater crater 65 feet wide by 13 feet deep.
The German ship-laid ground mine was detected in 115 feet of water, 20 miles off Harwich in Eastern england, on the site of the 500 MW Greater Gabbard wind farm, which is expected to be completed next year.
