Diver spots pre-WW1 bomb at Għar Lapsi, AFM say it was unexploded

Imagine this: you’re floating in the crystal-clear waters of Għar Lapsi, the sun warming your back, when suddenly, you spot something unusual glinting on the seabed. That’s exactly what happened to a local diver last week, who stumbled upon a historic artifact that has since been identified as a pre-World War I bomb.

The diver, who wishes to remain anonymous, was exploring the waters off the scenic Għar Lapsi cliffs when he noticed the strange object. Realizing its potential significance, he immediately reported his find to the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM). The AFM’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was swiftly deployed to investigate.

“We received a report of a suspicious object in the sea at Għar Lapsi,” said an AFM spokesperson. “Our EOD team responded promptly and, upon investigation, confirmed it to be an unexploded ordnance (UXO) from the pre-World War I era.”

The discovery has sparked curiosity among historians and locals alike. While the exact origin and purpose of the bomb remain unclear, it’s believed to have been dropped during one of the many military exercises conducted in Maltese waters during the early 20th century. The island’s strategic location in the Mediterranean made it a prime training ground for various military forces.

Dr. Anthony Pace, a local historian, commented, “This find is a fascinating glimpse into Malta’s military history. It’s a reminder of the island’s strategic importance during World War I and the many military exercises that took place here.”

The AFM, in collaboration with Heritage Malta, is now working to safely remove and preserve the artifact. It will then be studied further to provide more insights into its history.

Għar Lapsi, a popular diving spot, is no stranger to such discoveries. In recent years, divers have unearthed various artifacts, including ancient pottery and even a Roman anchor, highlighting the area’s rich history.

—METADATA—

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“title”: “Pre-WW1 Bomb Found at Għar Lapsi”,
“metaDescription”: “A local diver discovers a pre-World War I bomb at Għar Lapsi, sparking historical intrigue and a joint effort by AFM and Heritage Malta to preserve the artifact.”,
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