Teenager Discovers Live WW2 Bomb with Underwater Drone

In a remarkable turn of events in the United Kingdom, a teenager’s underwater exploration led to the discovery of a live World War II bomb packed with 250kg of explosives. Cameron Makewell, a 14-year-old from Ripon, was reportedly piloting his underwater drone in the River Ure when he encountered a mysterious cylindrical object. Initially mistaking it for a gas canister, Cameron’s father, Adam Makewell, quickly identified it as a WW2 bomb, unaware at the time that it was still live.

Unexpected Encounter With Underwater Drone

The father-son duo had ventured to the River Ure to test new lighting equipment for their remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). After completing their tests, Cameron continued exploring the riverbed, stumbling upon the ominous object. Adam, recognizing the danger, stayed calm to avoid alarming his son. The bomb, later identified as a SC500kg aerial explosive commonly used by the Luftwaffe during the Blitz, posed a significant threat.

Emergency Response

Adam and Cameron promptly reported their findings to the local police, who initially met their claims with skepticism. However, upon viewing the footage, authorities took the matter seriously and involved a specialist Royal Navy bomb disposal unit from Glasgow. The unit, facing challenges due to heavy rain and reduced visibility, eventually conducted a controlled explosion, safely detonating the bomb and leaving a substantial crater in the riverbed.

Historical Significance

The discovery has sparked further interest in the local history of the area during WW2. The River Ure was used as a training site for bomb technicians, raising questions about how the live bomb ended up there. Adam speculates it could have been dropped by a returning German bomber or left by Royal Engineers during training exercises.

This incident highlights the enduring legacy of World War II and the potential dangers that still lurk in unexpected places in the United Kingdom. Cameron’s discovery serves as a reminder of the importance of careful exploration and the ongoing efforts to address the remnants of past conflicts. The local community hopes that the bomb might one day be displayed in a museum, preserving this piece of history for future generations.


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Haye Kesteloo
Haye Kesteloo

Haye Kesteloo is a leading drone industry expert and Editor in Chief of DroneXL.co and EVXL.co, where he covers drone technology, industry developments, and electric mobility trends. With over nine years of specialized coverage in unmanned aerial systems, his insights have been featured in The New York Times, The Financial Times, and cited by The Brookings Institute, Foreign Policy, Politico and others.

Before founding DroneXL.co, Kesteloo built his expertise at DroneDJ. He currently co-hosts the PiXL Drone Show on YouTube and podcast platforms, sharing industry insights with a global audience. His reporting has influenced policy discussions and been referenced in federal documents, establishing him as an authoritative voice in drone technology and regulation. He can be reached at haye @ dronexl.co or @hayekesteloo.

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