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WWII sea mine found at BSI lot
US Navy says no danger or need for public evacuation
A construction company assisting the archeological digging at the Saipan casino developer Best Sunshine International, Ltd.’s leased public land in Garapan unearthed a sea mine ordnance at the site.
Lt. Timothy Gorman, of the U.S. Navy’s Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs, told Saipan Tribune yesterday that at this time, there is no danger or need for public evacuation.
Department of Public Safety acting spokesman Jason Tarkong confirmed that a large ordnance was found at the site yesterday and that the U.S. Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team was at the site to assess the situation. He, however, stated he has no information about its size.
A CNMI Homeland Security’s Community Emergency Response Team vehicle is seen entering yesterday afternoon the fenced digging site of Best Sunshine’s leased property in Garapan, where a sea mine ordnance was discovered. The U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal team says at this time there is no danger or need for public evacuation. (Ferdie de la Torre)
Gorman said the Joint Region Marianas was asked yesterday to assist after a construction company discovered the sea mine.
Gorman said EOD’s Mobile Unit 5 flew yesterday morning from Guam to Saipan.
“They are assessing how best to proceed and I will let you know when I have further information,” he said.
DPS acting spokesman Tarkong said Best Sunshine contacted DPS about the discovery of the ordnance and DPS Tactical Response Enforcement Team assessed the situation and then called the U.S. Navy in Guam.
“I don’t know the details,”Tarkong said.
When Saipan Tribune visited the place yesterday afternoon, seen outside the fenced area formerly known as the Samoan Housing Area were police officers and personnel from the CNMI Homeland Security.
At about 5:15pm, a CNMI Homeland Security’s CERT vehicle was spotted entering the fenced digging site.
Last week, Best Sunshine inked a $5-million lease deal with the government for the 19,154 square meter public land, where the company will build a five-star hotel and casino. (with Dennis B. Chan)
