A TEAM of bomb disposal experts who were called to action after a Second World War mine was found in the River Clyde have carried out an explosion to dispose of it.

Royal Navy experts from the Northern Diving Group (NDG) were called after the Maritime and Coastguard Agency was alerted to the explosive around 11.20am on December 1. 

Following examination, the item, which was described as being in “pristine” condition, was confirmed as being a Second World War German submarine-laid, moored influence, mine - which still contained around 350kg of explosives.

The mine was sailed to Ettrick Bay on the Isle of Bute to meet with the NDG, who coordinated the lowering of the ordnance to the seabed off Ettrick Beach.

Today, a controlled explosion to dispose of the mine was carried out. 

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Lieutenant Commander Mark Shaw, Commanding Officer of Northern Diving Group, said: “The mine was trawled in the vicinity of Isla Craig, a small island in the Firth of Clyde. 

"Considering it had been in the water for around 80 years, it’s condition was remarkable.

“From the initial pictures we were able to easily identify the mine type and importantly determine that the explosive fill was intact and therefore presented a significant hazard.

“Items of this size are relatively uncommon, however, NDG are approaching 100 call-outs this year supporting civil authorities with all types of Explosive Ordnance Disposal, ranging from mines and torpedoes to hand grenades and improvised devices.

“This highlights the remaining presence of historic ordnance. Even small items can be unstable and present an explosive hazard; carrying-out a controlled explosion is the only safe way of dealing with them and neutralising the hazard.

“If anyone comes across a suspected piece of ordnance they shouldn’t interfere with it and immediately contact the emergency services.”