Read Authentic Ratings for the Elbe

On October 25, 2011, at precisely 12:36 PM, the dredger "Elbe" encountered a suspicious object resembling a bomb from World War II while operating 1.6 nautical miles north of Dieppe. Measuring one meter in length and 40 centimeters in diameter, the potentially dangerous device prompted immediate action. The crew of the "Elbe" contacted the Operations Center of the Navy in Cherbourg, which in turn informed the Regional Operational Centre for Surveillance and Rescue (Cross) located in Gris-Nez. In response to the discovery, Cross coordinated an evacuation of the dredger's crew for their safety. However, the vessel's captain opted to remain on board until a team of Navy clearance divers arrived. By 4 PM, a Dauphin helicopter from the Navy base in Maupertus successfully winched the bomb aboard the dredger. The vessel was then redirected to a designated munitions disposal area for careful handling. Later that evening, two Navy clearance divers were able to access the unexploded bomb, stabilizing it in the ammunition depot area shortly before 7 PM. Plans were made for the controlled destruction of the device as soon as weather conditions allowed, ensuring a thorough and safe operation by the clearance divers.