Harbour mines elusive

Photo / Greg Bowker

A World War II minefield believed to have been laid off the entrance to Lyttelton Harbour has eluded Navy searchers.

The 10 mines, thought to weigh up to 1000kg each, were apparently laid by the German minelayer, Adjutant, in June 1941.

None of the mines exploded and the Navy believes over the years the mines sank into the "glutinous ooze" of the seabed.

The Navy was asked to search for the mines because of fears there may be a problem with planned dredging to deepen the channel if they were still there.

Lieutenant Commander Kelvin Barrett said that if a mine was picked up in the dredging the military would be called to dispose of it.