This morning the divers of the Diving Operations Group of the SDAI nucleus of La Maddalena (Sminamento Difesa Antimezzi Insidiosi) neutralized a torpedo off Cala Capra (Palau).
The torpedo was found during the inspection on the recommendation of the prefecture of Sassari on 24 May, at a depth of 31 meters. The position in which the bomb was found suggests that it, during its run, impacted the diminishing seabed, without exploding.
The day after the discovery, excavation operations were carried out which allowed to remove the sand and mud that had buried the torpedo to check its state of conservation and danger. After removing the layer of seabed that covered it, the bomb was identified, it is a US Navy 450 mm torpedo, 5 meters long and with an explosive charge of about 200 kg.
This morning the torpedo was towed to the high seas to be destroyed, to neutralize the explosive material contained in it.
As always, it is advisable to remind sea enthusiasts not to touch any artifacts that may be considered dangerous or whose shape may recall an explosive device or parts of it.
QWhat we must do, for the safety of all, is to identify the site of discovery, possibly photograph the hypothetical device, if you have an underwater camera with you, and immediately report its discovery to the nearest Port Authority or station. of the Carabinieri, which will require the intervention of the Navy divers to re-establish the usability, in full safety, of that stretch of sea.
