Pre-WWI shell recovered from seabed off Għar Lapsi

An unexploded pre-First World War shell has been discovered underwater off Għar Lapsi and safely destroyed by the Armed Forces of Malta.

"The UXO was safely recovered and transported to the Pembroke Ranges, where it was subsequently detonated in a controlled manner," the AFM said in a statement on Saturday.

The shell was reported to the AFM Operations Centre by a member of the diving community and identified as a British four-inch Armstrong gun muzzle-loaded shell dating back to the pre-First World War period. Explosive Ordnance Disposal specialists from the AFM's 3rd Regiment were sent to the area, where they worked alongside the Malta Police Force to establish a safety cordon before recovering the device.

The shell was transported to the Pembroke Ranges and detonated without incident. No injuries or damage were reported.

The AFM has reminded the public not to touch or move any object suspected to be unexploded ordnance. Photographs may be taken only if the object is left undisturbed. Anyone who comes across such an item should call 112 immediately and treat it as live until told otherwise.