Five shells found in Ibiza waters detonated

An Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team from the Navy's Mine Action Diver Unit went to the area of the Dau Gros islet, off the coast of the city of Ibiza, this Tuesday morning, 7th of May, to neutralise five artillery shells found at the bottom of the islet.

This team of divers was in Palma taking part in the "MINEX-24" multinational exercises, organized by Spain and focusing on mine warfare.

Over the weekend, they were alerted by the Guardia Civil to the discovery of five artillery shells encrusted with marine life and in an unsafe state. 

After a coordination meeting at the Casa del Mar in Ibiza, chaired by the Island Director of the AGE and the Naval Commander of Ibiza, with the Delegate of the Port Authority, Emergency Services, the Maritime Captain and the Guardia Civil, they decided to move the operators to the area of the incident. 

The projectiles were at a depth of between 20 and 24 meters and, during identification, it was found that they contained an explosive charge and it was not safe to extract them without neutralising them.

Using radio-controlled explosive charges, the projectiles were detonated in a controlled manner, with the aim of minimizing environmental impact, according to the Navy. Afterwards, all the debris was collected "leaving the area safe again". 

In this regard, they warn that, when such devices are found, they should not be handled or moved. "Despite their deteriorated appearance, their explosive charge is usually intact and handling should be carried out by specialist personnel", they point out. 

The Navy's Diving Units are staffed by specialists in explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) with land and underwater capabilities.

Since 1978, the Navy has neutralized more than 1,700 projectiles, mines and other naval weapons, and these units have an activation time that allows them to act immediately in the event of this type of incident.