The Georgia coast boasts some wonderful places to relax, including 15 barrier islands of unparalleled beauty. But one of those islands -- Tybee -- might offer a little extra, though it's not something likely to draw tourists: Somewhere below the waters just off Tybee's shore lies an undetonated nuclear bomb. The 7,000-pound (3,175 kg) weapon was dropped in 1958 by an American bomber that collided with another aircraft. The bomber pilot feared what might happen as he attempted to land his damaged plane, so he jettisoned the bomb into the sea. The Navy searched for months but could not turn up the nuclear device, which it maintains does not pose any danger as long as it's left alone. Not everyone is so sure, including those who worry that the weapon contains potentially harmful radioactive material. The U.S. military has responded by saying that readings were taken in the waters in 2004 and came back normal.
Bizarre plans and bomb blunders:
- In 1958, the United States considered dropping a nuclear bomb on the moon, ostensibly as a show of force to scare the Soviet Union; the plan ultimately was abandoned.
- In 1961, an Air Force plane broke apart and accidentally dropped two hydrogen bombs over Goldsboro, North Carolina; one was recovered, and the other disintegrated.
- The bikini got its name from Bikini Atoll, where nuclear bombs were first tested; the inventor believed the swimsuit should have a similar impact on buyers.