Dia Island maritime activities banned after WWII bomb discovery

A tourist engaged in water sports discovered a World War II-era bomb off the coast of Dia Island, Crete, near Kapari Bay. Following the discovery, the Heraklion Port Authority notified the Chania Naval Station to initiate safety protocols.

As a result, the Heraklion Port Authority has issued a formal ban on all maritime activities in the waters surrounding Dia Island, including a 1.5 nautical mile perimeter. The restrictions prohibit swimming, approaching, moving through, or anchoring any vessels, including private and professional recreational boats, fishing vessels, and day trips.

The bomb disposal operation is scheduled to take place on Thursday, September 3, 2026. The maritime ban remains in effect from the start of the operation until further notice, with violators subject to legal penalties.