Coordination between civil and military units ensured safe detonation. Credit: Ministerio Defensa
Voices on social media had raised doubts about whether the device detonated yesterday off Les Albaranes beach in Denia was truly a Civil War shell. Many demanded images of the projectile. The Ministry of Defence has released on January 15 photographs confirming that the artefact did indeed date back to the Spanish Civil War, which took place between 1936 and 1939. Denia was a key point in the Republican defensive line during the conflict, hosting numerous coastal batteries.
The Ministry confirmed that a Special Explosive Disposal Team (EDE) from the Navy’s Mine Countermeasures Divers Unit (UBMCM) neutralised the shell after it was reported by recreational divers. The object was located 400 metres from the shore, submerged at four metres and fully camouflaged within marine life, away from swimming areas.
Coordination between civil and military units ensured safe detonation
Members of the Civil Guard’s Special Underwater Activities Group (GEAS) in Alicante scanned the seabed to pinpoint and mark the shell. They then alerted the Navy’s Maritime Operations and Surveillance Centre (COVAM) in Cartagena, which activated the EDE team. Six hours later, at 15:20 on January 14, the shell was detonated using specialised explosive charges, “eliminating the danger while minimising environmental impact.”
A final dive confirmed the device was neutralised, ending the operation. The intervention was coordinated by the Naval Command of Alicante, which requested local support for the Navy’s diving unit. Police Local de Denia, National Police, the Civil Guard and its Maritime Service all assisted, with the latter providing the patrol vessel “Rio Oja” and GEAS personnel.
Local organisations provided vital support
The Club Náutico de Denia, the Red Cross with a boat, and SAMU with an Advanced Life Support ambulance also contributed to the operation, ensuring safety during the diving procedures.
Navy diving and mine countermeasures units
The Spanish Navy holds responsibility for deactivating and neutralising underwater explosive devices across Spain through its diving units in the peninsula and Canary Islands, under the Admiral of Maritime Action (ALMART) based in Cartagena.
The UBMCM is the only Navy unit trained to neutralise mines, with divers specialising in techniques specific to mine disposal.