- Pier G Construction Crew Uncovers 80-Year-Old Explosive Device.
- Bomb Squad and Marine Corps Safely Remove Historic Shell.
- Terminal Reopens After Temporary Shutdown.
Operations at one of the six container terminals at the Port of Long Beach came to a standstill on Wednesday, October 8, after construction workers stumbled upon a World War II-era explosive device buried beneath the surface, reports Marine Insight.
Discovery at Pier G
The unexpected find occurred during routine construction at Pier G, situated on the southern edge of the port. Authorities reported that the shell, which is believed to be around 80 years old, was unearthed by a construction crew, triggering an immediate safety protocol.
Emergency Response and Evacuation
The Long Beach Police Department, along with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad, Long Beach Fire Department, and the U.S. Coast Guard, quickly responded to the scene. The terminal was promptly evacuated, and a safety perimeter was established while experts assessed the situation.
Safe Removal and Resumption of Operations
After an initial evaluation, the bomb squad called in a U.S. Marine Corps ordnance disposal unit for assistance. The Marines determined that the explosive could be safely transported and took it away for off-site deactivation. Port officials confirmed that operations at Pier G were back up and running by 9 p.m. that same day, while other terminals continued their normal activities throughout the incident.
Previous Incident at Pier G
Port officials pointed out that this was the second disruption at Pier G in just a few weeks. In September, a cargo ship lost dozens of containers overboard, resulting in about 75 containers filled with items like electronics, clothing, furniture, and footwear going over the edge. Fortunately, around 60 of those containers were later recovered, and an investigation into the cause of the spill is still underway.
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Source: Marine Insight
