Dutch dredger finds suspicious object off Selsey
A Dutch registered 95m trailing suction hopper dredger, Mellina, had to call for assistance on Monday after finding a suspicious object.
The Royal Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team (EODT) attended, along with Selsey RNLI in case Melina’s crew needed evacuating.
The vessel was about 10 miles south east of Selsey Bill.
In dramatically reduced visibility, EODT boarded the vessel.
After clearing the sand that was hiding most of the object, EODT investigated and eventually declared it nonexplosive. The item was a 12 inch solid shot projectile which would have been shot out of either a naval gun or shore battery in – or around – world war two. It was taken ashore by the navy team.
