A 100 metre exclusion zone has been put in place after a torpedo was found on the seabed at a popular diving spot near Orkney. Mariners in Scapa Flow are being told to stay away from the identified area after the device was found between Flotta and South Ronaldsay earlier this week.
Pictures of the suspected explosive show it is a badly corroded shell lying in the dark waters, however it is not currently known whether the ordnance is viable. Divers from the Royal Navy are expected to arrive at the weekend to inspect and destroy the torpedo.
A statement from Orkney Islands Council’s Marine Services said: “An exclusion zone has been established around an area in Scapa Flow after a suspected torpedo was found on the sea bed.
“The device was found in area between Flotta and South Ronaldsay as part of seabed surveys being carried out by the MV Athena in advance of the laying of cables - at 58° 50.237 N 003° 01.091 W, approximately three cables north of Croo Taing.
“Royal Navy divers will attend the scene this weekend. A 100m exclusion zone has been put in place – and mariners are asked to avoid the area.”
Scapa Flow was used as a Royal Navy base in both world wars and is now popular with divers due to the number of British and German relics lying on the seabed.
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