A WWII Bomb Was Discovered In The Waters Of Sibuan Island In Sabah
The island was declared safe after the bomb was detonated.
On 6 January, an object suspected to be an old bomb from World War II was found in the waters off Sibuan Island in Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Sabah
The object was discovered by two Sabah Parks coast guards stationed on the island who were carrying out monitoring and cleanup activities in the snorkeling area along the beach, The Borneo Post reported.
After alerting the authorities about the discovery, Sabah Parks announced the temporary closure of Sibuan Island substation on its official Facebook page. The closure began on 7 January and remained in effect until the area was declared safe.
"The temporary closure began at 12.30pm. We deeply regret any inconvenience caused by this matter," the statement read.
The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) later confirmed in a statement that the object was an old bomb or 'unexploded ordnance' (UXO) from World War II.
Image via Sabah Parks (Facebook)
Investigations revealed that the UXO, measuring approximately 0.91m long and 0.34m wide, is believed to be a World War II bomb dating back to 1945 and is estimated to weigh 250kg
Image via Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia (Facebook)
A team of mine divers from RMN's Lumut Fire Pit Diving and Warfare Headquarters (MSPPA), in collaboration with Sandakan Maritime Area Headquarters 2 (MAWILLA 2), was deployed to conduct a bomb disposal operation.
The bomb was successfully detonated using the "Blow In Place" (BIP) method at 3.10pm on 11 January, a destruction technique applied at the location of discovery. The operation adhered to the highest safety standards, with no reports of damage to property or the marine environment.
"Based on the Post Blast Investigation (PBI), RMN Mine Divers confirmed that the UXO was an 'Aerial Bomb', which is a type of bomb dropped by an aircraft," the statement said.
Following the detonation and a thorough cleanup of the area, Sibuan Island was declared safe and reopened to tourists on 15 January.
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