Bomb (Air Delivered) event in Devon, Exmouth Marina area, United Kingdom on Wed 14th January 2026

Unexploded device at Exmouth Marina 

Update Thursday 15 January 2026, 2.30pm 

Emergency services, local councils and other public service partners are continuing to work closely following the discovery of a significant Second World War unexploded device at Exmouth Marina.

The device was uncovered during routine dredging operations on Wednesday and prompted an immediate, coordinated multi-agency response. Specialist military bomb disposal teams remain on site today, assessing the device and determining the safest method for disposal. 

A precautionary 400m safety cordon remains in place around the marina, with approximately 2,000 homes affected. Residents within the cordon are still unable to return home at this time while expert assessments continue. Exmouth beach is also closed today as a precaution. 

Public safety remains the absolute priority. East Devon District Council is working alongside Devon & Cornwall Police, the military, Devon County Council and other partners to support residents, manage the cordon and ensure clear, regular communication as the situation develops. An assistance centre is available at Exmouth Leisure Centre for those who need support, information or temporary shelter. East Devon District Council has successfully secured temporary accommodation for around 100 impacted local residents. 

Councillor Paul Arnott, Leader of East Devon District Council, said: “This is an understandably unsettling situation for residents, and we are grateful for the patience and cooperation shown by the community. Our focus is on safety, supporting those affected, and working with specialist teams to resolve the situation as quickly and safely as possible.” 

Residents affected by the cordon are encouraged to check this page and Frequently Asked Questions page for the latest information and advice. 

 

Update Thursday 15 January 2026, 11.30am

Emergency services continue to respond to the discovery of a significant unexploded German Second World War device at Exmouth Marina, which was found yesterday during routine dredging operations.

Specialist military teams are currently on site assessing the device and determining the safest method for disposal. Public safety remains the priority.

A 400m safety cordon remains in place, and residents within the affected area are still unable to return to their homes at this time. Approximately 2,000 homes continue to be impacted.

Emergency services, local councils and other public service partners are working closely together to manage the incident and ensure the safety of the community while plans for safe disposal progress.

Exmouth beach is closed today as a precaution.

Further updates will be shared here and on our Frequently Asked Questions page as soon as more information becomes available. We thank residents and visitors for their continued patience and cooperation.

 

Update Thursday 15 January 2026, 12.30am

If you live in the cordon area and have been evacuated, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions which contain useful information about the incident and the support available.


Update Wednesday 14 January 2026, 9.30pm

Emergency services are currently managing an incident involving an unexploded ordnance (UXO) discovered in Exmouth Marina. Public safety remains the top priority, and a coordinated multi-agency response is now underway.

We are actively contacting affected residents to evacuate their homes as a precaution. Residents are encouraged to make arrangements to stay with family or friends wherever possible. An assistance centre has been established at LED Leisure Centre, where information and temporary shelter are available for those who need it.

Military bomb disposal experts are on site and have begun assessing the device to identify the safest method of disposal. To enable this work to be carried out safely, the safety cordon around the area will now be extended. Members of the public are asked to follow all instructions from emergency services and to avoid the marina area until further notice.

Councillor Paul Arnott, Leader of East Devon District Council, said: “Our teams are working closely with military specialists to ensure the device is made safe as quickly as possible, and we will provide updates as soon as we have them.  We understand this is an unsettling situation for local residents, and we thank everyone for their patience and cooperation.”

Further information will be shared through official channels as the situation develops.

 

Update Wednesday 14 January 2026, 7.30pm

A temporary 400m cordon has been put in place near Exmouth Marina following the discovery of a suspected unexploded ordnance, which was dredged out of the water earlier today.

Homes within the cordon are being evacuated and affected residents are being encouraged to make arrangements with friends and family. There is an assistance centre at Exmouth Leisure Centre to provide support if needed.

Police are talking to affected properties and drivers are being asked to avoid the marina until further notice.

We are liaising with Devon & Cornwall Police and Devon County Council over the incident and will provide further updates when we have them.

Please monitor this page and our social media channels for updates. We will provide another update within the next few hours as more details become available.