Object found on island believed to be WWII era naval mine

Military bomb disposal personnel say that an object discovered on an uninhabited island in Penghu County is probably a naval mine from World War Two.

A team of civilians contracted by national park authorities to do a coastal cleanup discovered the mystery object on Chutou Islet Friday, September 18.

Poor sea and weather conditions prevented military unexploded ordnance disposal personnel from reaching the site until today, Monday, September 21.

Media reports over the weekend noted that the mine was not of a type used by Taiwan’s military forces, and that it may have originated from China’s PLA.

However, the military team said today that it is likely to date back to the Second World War, although national origin is not known.

The suspected mine is about 80 centimeters in diameter and is estimated to weigh around 500 kilograms.

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) said that a time and method for destroying the object will be scheduled in the coming days.

The object may be destroyed on the spot as happened recently with a cache of WWII bombs found in coastal waters of New Taipei City. However, the military unit must consult with the Marine National Parks Office and other government units before a final decision is made.

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