Another test site was therefore required . For safety and security reasons , in the light of the '' Lucky Dragon '' incident , in which the crew of a Japanese fishing boat were exposed to radioactive fallout from the American Castle Bravo nuclear test , a large site remote from population centres was required . Various islands in the South Pacific and Southern Oceans were considered , along with Antarctica . The Admiralty suggested the Antipodes Islands , which are about southeast of New Zealand . In May 1955 , the Minister for Defence , Selwyn Lloyd , concluded that the Kermadec Islands , which lie about northeast of New Zealand , would be suitable
Castle Bravo
Castle Bravo
Operation Grapple