Bomb team explode WWII mine in Margate
09:00, 08 August 2009
updated: 09:00, 08 August 2009
Bomb disposal teams have successfully detonated a World War II mine off the coast of Margate.
Local residents heard a loud 'boom' at around 9.30am on Saturday as a controlled explosion was carried out.
The deadly parachute mine was caught in nets by fishermen in the Thames Estuary on Friday.
Dover Coastguard said the bomb was dropped from a German aircraft. It was the largest device of its kind, a spokesperson said.
Royal Navy experts and the Margate lifeboat moved the bomb to safer waters yesterday. Ships were also warned to keep a reasonable distance.
Earlier attempts to detonate the device were unsuccessful.
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