Falmouth Docks cordoned off after suspected unexploded device found

If you live or work near Falmouth Docks today, you’ll want to know why a stretch of land and sea around it has been sealed off. Emergency services are responding to the discovery of a suspected unexploded ordnance device within the dock area, and specialist bomb disposal officers are on their way to assess it.

What’s happened

The item was found earlier today inside the dock area. Specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) officers have been called in and are en route to examine the device and decide what happens next.

A 150-metre safety cordon has gone up around the location, covering both land and sea while the assessment work is carried out. There’s no suggestion of any risk beyond that cordon, but police are urging people not to approach the area or step into any restricted zones while enquiries continue.

The cordon, and the two homes evacuated

Two homes within the cordon have been evacuated as a precaution. The Coastguard is asking boat users to steer well clear of the area, and anyone on the water nearby should expect to be turned away or redirected.

Officers are working alongside the Fire Services, the Port Authority and the Harbour Master at Falmouth Docks to keep the public safe while the device is assessed. Enquiries are ongoing, and updates are promised as and when there’s something new to report.

What to do if you’re nearby

• Avoid the dock area entirely, on foot, by car or by boat.
• If you’re on the water, follow instructions from the Coastguard and Harbour Master straight away.
• Don’t attempt to cross the cordon for a closer look, even if it looks quiet.
• Keep an eye on official updates from the police and port officials rather than relying on secondhand reports.

No timeframe has been given for how long the cordon will stay in place. That will depend on what the EOD team finds when they get there.

📷FALMOUTH, CORNWALL, UK - JULY 5, 2023. Aerial landscape panorama view of the National Maritime Museum and harbour in the Cornish seaside town of Falmouth