Authorities in Thessaloniki called in to remove hundreds of shells found on the seabed

Hundreds of shells and other projectiles dating back to World War II have been discovered on the seabed in the port of Thessaloniki, Greece, during surveys required for the expansion of the sixth pier.

The ammunition was identified in an area where construction work is planned, using magnetic equipment. According to estimates, approximately 80 of the projectiles are bombs weighing more than 50 kilograms each.

Public broadcaster ERTNews, quoted by the DPA news agency, reported that the projectiles were apparently dumped into the sea by German troops in October 1944, during their retreat from Thessaloniki amid the Red Army’s advance through the Balkans.

The discovery risks affecting the port project’s schedule. Work on the pier’s concrete elements is expected to be completed in March 2027, but the seabed must be cleared before the expansion can continue.

Local authorities have requested government support for further surveys and the safe removal of the ammunition.