Rocket exploded under Severn Crossing (From Free Press Series)

Rocket exploded under Severn Crossing

9:20am Friday 4th July 2008

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A CONTROLLED explosion was carried out last night on an anti-tank rocket found in the water off the shore at Caldicot.

The explosion was performed by Southern Diving Unit 1, a Royal Navy bomb squad from Plymouth, after a local fisherman reported seeing the device at midday on Wednesday.

Nothing could be done then as the high tide covered the device, also known as an armour-piercing rocket.

The rocket was located approximately 45m off the shore at Sudbrook, around 300m from the Second Severn Crossing. The controlled explosion was carried out at the scene at around 5.10pm.

Sudbrook resident Sarah Laskey said: "I asked what was going on and they said there was a bomb being disposed of. I couldn't believe it, I'm just glad it was discovered before anyone got hurt."

Southern Diving Unit 1 Petty Officer Sid Lawrence said the age of the rocket couldn't be determined due to bad corrosion.

He added: "It could have been from the Second World War all the way up to 10 years ago. When we found it, it was lying on top of the mud. A controlled explosion was carried out which was very successful."

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