Navy-trained bottlenose dolphins discovered a Howell torpedo in the ocean offshore Coronado, Los Angeles Times reports.
There were only 50 Howell torpedoes made between 1870 and 1889, and the existence of just one was confirmed until now.
After two dolphins, Ted and Spetz, confirmed the existence of the object, the Navy explosive-ordnance technicians examined it.
The torpedo pieces were lifted to the surface and taken to a Navy base for cleaning and to await shipment to the Naval History and Heritage Command, located at the Washington Navy Yard.
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Subsea World News Staff, May 20, 2013