Controlled demolition of WWII-era bombs in Choctawhatchee Bay set for later this week

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE — Eglin Air Force Base officials are advising the public of a planned demolition in Choctawhatchee Bay later this week.

According to a release, divers from the Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Six, a detachment from Panama City, will clear six 500-pound World War II-era bombs in a controlled underwater demolition found during a routine investigation of the Bay Legacy Range on Oct. 24 and 25.

For their safety, people, vessels, and any water-based activities must remain clear of the controlled demolition from 7 a.m. to noon each day. The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office and U.S. Coast Guard Destin will be on hand during the removal to ensure proper safety protocols are enforced.

The unexploded ordinance was found south of Black Point, near the Shalimar Pointe Golf Club. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, any vessel attempting to transit through the safety zone must contact the on-scene patrol commander, who can be contacted on VHF Channel 83 or 16.

Those who fail to comply with the safety zone requirements may face a civil penalty of up to $111,031, imprisonment or both.

For more information, contact the Eglin Public Affairs office at 850-882-3931.

This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Controlled demolition of WWII-era bombs in Choctawhatchee Bay set for later this week