Mystery Chests Contain World War II Mines

Weather permitting, the mines will be detonated today, says Humphrey Tawake

Mystery chests found on the seabed off the Nataleira coast in Tailevu North, contain World War II American mines.

This was confirmed by Navy Commander Captain (Navy) Humphrey Tawake.

He said the mines would be detonated at the site. He said if weather permits, the detonation would be carried out at 8am today. Commander Tawake said the exercise would be conducted to determine whether the mines are still active as an explosive or otherwise.

“They look like old WWII mines and at the moment we are estimating that there are no more than six mines.

“We do not know whether there is any danger but we will determine this when the disposal team detonates them,” Commander Tawake said.

He said it was thought the mines were dropped near the Vatu-i-ra Passage to keep enemies away.

Villagers and communities within the vicinity have been advised to stay clear of the areas of Dawasamu, Silana and nearby villages as from today

They look like old WWII mines and at the moment we are estimating that there are no more than six mines. We do not know whether there are any danger but we will determine this when the disposal team detonates them. Captain (Navy) Humphrey Tawake Navy Commander

until the exercise is completed. The public notice was published in the Fiji Sun yesterday.

Photo: Ronald Kumar The Red spot marks where the mines are located. The Blue spot marks the area where the Republic of Fiji Navy (RFN) and Police personnel will observe the exercise.

Photo: Ronald Kumar Able Seaman Timoci Ganilau marks the area of exercise that will be carried out by the Navy and Police on June 8, 2017 if weather permits.

Navy Commander Captain (Navy) Humphrey Tawake