The Ministry of Defence has revealed that army bomb disposal teams are frequently called out after magnet fishers recover artillery from canals and river beds. In some cases, live ammunition such as grenades has been found, prompting urgent police involvement.
Magnet fishing, which involves trawling for metal objects in waterways, has become a popular pastime. The MoD advises the public to contact police immediately if they disturb what they believe to be live ordnance.
Callum, a 15-year-old from Leicestershire, told the BBC he has found guns, safes and a live hand grenade in canals. While being filmed with his uncles, they discovered a knife and scrap iron within 10 minutes. His uncle James said the hobby keeps his nephew away from video games and argued that removing bombs makes waterways safer.
However, the Canal and Rivers Trust has warned of the dangers, noting two drownings in Huddersfield and a spike in reports. The trust also highlighted a by-law prohibiting removal of items from public canals, carrying a £25 fine, though rarely enforced. Magnet fishing on private land with permission is not a criminal offence.
