Undefined Explosive Device (UED) event in Northern Territory, Darwin area, Australia on Mon 19th September 2022

Divers conducting a survey at the Darwin Ship Lift site on behalf of the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics (DIPL) have located a potential Unexploded Ordnance (UXO). Commercial Marine Group, subcontracted to Aurecon, has been conducting dive operations in Darwin Harbour around the ship lift site as part of a survey seeking potential UXO and heritage items which may remain from WWII. The item is located in the area of water approximately 330m to the south of the multi-user barge ramp. The potential UXO was located in the afternoon of Monday 19 September and the subcontractor responded as per safety procedures and the dive works suspended. The potential UXO was reported to the Australian Defence Force, NT Police and the Acting Regional Harbour Master (A/RHM). DIPL is currently working with relevant stakeholders to ensure the safety of harbour users in the vicinity and that the identification and resolution of the potential UXO occurs safely. An exclusion zone of 250 metres is being implemented by the A/RHM in the form of a Notice to Mariners here which all harbour users must adhere to. The notice includes a mapped location and the exclusion zone will be marked by yellow floating buoys on the harbour which will be illuminated at night by yellow flashing lights. NT Water Police regularly conduct patrols of Darwin Harbour. Any vessel or person located within the exclusion zone may receive a fine or be directed away from the area by the NT Water Police officers. The A/RHM, Marine Safety Branch and project personnel will also maintain oversight until the matter is resolved. Defence is arranging appropriate planning, resources and management of the UXO. Dive works in the vicinity will remain suspended until the matter of the potential UXO is resolved.