Twenty-eight unexploded artillery shells were discovered in the Black Sea off İstanbul’s northern Şile district, the provincial governor’s office announced, local media reported on Monday.
A swimmer on a beach in Şile noticed some metal objects in the sea and reported them to the gendarmerie.
The İstanbul Governor’s Office said the investigations conducted by the Turkish Navy’s underwater defense forces confirmed that the metal objects were unexploded artillery shells, adding that a diving team had recovered eight pieces of the ordnance on July 30.
“At least 28 pieces of ammunition were discovered. Of the identified ordnance, eight were safely brought ashore,” the office said in a written statement.
Noting that underwater forces continue to search the area, the statement said the disposal of the identified ordnance will take place Aug. 2 “after the necessary security measures have been taken.”
The coast will remain closed until the disposal is complete. No further details were provided as to the origin of the munitions or how long they’ve been present in the water.