The famous Oxford-Cambridge boat race in London was almost cancelled on Saturday arvo after an actual unexploded WWII bomb was found metres from the starting line.
Police were called on Saturday after a person walking by Putney Bridge on the Thames River spotted the bomb on the foreshore. I know it looks like a huge turd, but it was an actual submerged bomb.
Marine experts examined the bomb and it was successfully removed by specialist officers, Scotland Yard said. Though initially there were concerns that the race would have to be cancelled, the removal of the bomb meant it could proceed as planned.
Chief Inspector Tracy Stephenson issued a statement on the bomb:
I’m very happy to update that the ordnance has now been safely removed and the race will be going ahead as planned. We have been working very closely with the organisers of the boat race to plan this event, which is eagerly awaited by spectators and supporters alike.
A spokesperson for the race said it had only ever been called off during the first and second world wars.
Source: The Guardian.
Photo: London Metropolitan Police.
