A 100-metre exclusion zone was thrown around a harbour today after the crew of two vessels reported having suspected unexploded shells on board.
The first call came from a multi-purpose catamaran workboat which had an 18-inch by five-inch shell on their deck at Sheerness Harbour in Kent.
Then an hour and a half later, at 3.30pm, a second call was made to the Coastguard about a report of a 12-inch by four-inch suspected unexploded shell on board a 90-metre cable layer.
Sheppey Coastguard rescue team went to the scene while Thames maritime rescue co-ordination centre liaised with the Portsmouth-based Navy explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) unit.
A total of 39 people from the two vessels were evacuated and a 100-metre exclusion zone was placed around their berths at the harbour, said Karen Paradise, Thames Maritime rescue co-ordination centre watch manager.
Both shells were later declared safe following an examination.
Ms Paradise said: "Now that EOD have declared the two shells to be safe, the exclusion zone has been lifted and the crew have returned to their vessels."
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