The 500kg German device was discovered during dredging works to deepen the harbour for a new aircraft carrier. The whole of Gunwharf Quays shopping and leisure complex and the seafront near the device was evacuated in the expectation of a massive explosion that would send a huge plume of seawater into the air.
The Royal Navy blew up the 1,100lb (500kg) bomb at 7am this morning - but not a ripple was detected on the water's surface.
It left the confused navy crew bobbing in a rigid inflatable craft just over a mile to the east of the Isle of Wight, not knowing whether their efforts had worked.
At 11.30am specialist divers took the plunge to investigate. They found that their mission had been a success, albeit a quiet one.
The bomb had been found after it was dislodged from the seabed during dredging works.
The harbour entrance is being deepened to accept the Royal Navy's new aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, next spring.
It is the second time World War II explosives have been found during the dredging operation.
A torpedo, discovered earlier this month, was also exploded at sea.
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