Diver Discovers World War I Shells in Sava River

An unusual discovery was made in the Sava River near Bohinjska Bistrica when a tourist, while free-diving, stumbled upon unexploded ordnance. The tourist captured the find on an underwater camera and promptly alerted the relevant authorities, ensuring a safe response.

Specialized units from the State Unit for Protection against Unexploded Ordnance, covering the Gorenjska, Ljubljana, and West Styrian regions, were dispatched to the scene. A thorough inspection of the riverbed led to the removal of five artillery shells. These shells, identified as Austro-Hungarian in origin and dating back to World War I, each weighed approximately six kilograms.

According to the Administration of the Republic of Slovenia for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief, the discovered ordnance was safely removed. The shells have been secured in an appropriate facility pending their destruction. This incident highlights the lingering dangers from past conflicts that can still surface in unexpected ways.

Officials are urging the public to exercise extreme caution when encountering any suspected unexploded ordnance. They emphasize that individuals should never attempt to interfere with or move such items. Instead, the immediate protocol is to contact emergency services by dialing 112 to report the find, allowing trained professionals to handle the situation safely.