TUVALU has received the findings of an Australian underwater survey in Nanumea Lagoon which identified dozens of unexploded wartime bombs and other ordnance but found no immediate threat to residents.
The survey was carried out by Australia’s Operation Render Safe team despite difficult weather conditions, following a courtesy meeting between Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo and an Australian delegation led by Commander Nick Lee.
The delegation was accompanied by Australia’s Acting High Commissioner to Tuvalu, Charlene Watego, and Lieutenant Commander James Bagnato.
The team found 48 American 500-pound bombs, three 100-pound bombs, 42 crates of mostly .50 calibre ammunition and other wartime debris in priority search areas within the lagoon, the government said.
Commander Lee said the assessment should reassure people in Nanumea, while warning that the corroding ordnance could pose environmental risks over time.
“We’ve made the assessment that there is a very low immediate threat to life for the people of Nanumea, predominantly because none of the bombs was fitted with fuses,” Lee said.
He said removal in the near term would be the safest option.
“Our recommendation is that removal in the near term would be the safest option rather than leaving it, as the bomb casings will continue to deteriorate over time,” he said.
Teo welcomed the findings and thanked the Australian team for its work.
“It is comforting, to a certain extent, knowing that the ordnance does not pose an immediate threat to the community,” he said.
He said the government would consider public awareness measures while it reviews the technical report.
“I think mounting an awareness campaign will be useful while the Government considers the way forward,” Teo said.
The Government said it will review the report before deciding whether to remove the ordnance, while Tuvalu and Australia reaffirmed cooperation on community safety and protection of the lagoon environment.
