Alternative Energy: BP Finds Unexploded WWII Mine Near North Sea Oil Pipeline

BP Finds Unexploded WWII Mine Near North Sea Oil Pipeline: "

LONDON, April 27 (By Alex Lawler) - A North Sea oil pipeline which handles 40 percent of the UK's production may have to be shut down briefly later this year due to the discovery of an unexploded German mine from World War Two.

The mine was found on March 22 in about 300 feet (91 metres) of water during a routine survey of the Forties pipeline, the line's operator BP Plc said on Wednesday.

'There is no immediate risk to the pipeline and therefore operations are continuing as normal,' BP said. 'As a precaution, a guard vessel has been stationed in the area to ensure fishing and other vessels are kept clear.'