A German World War II artillery shell was hauled up in the nets of a fishing vessel off Dieppe, Seine‑Maritime on 29 July. The captain reported the find to the regional maritime rescue centre (CROSS Gris‑Nez), prompting the deployment of a team of divers from the Manche unit and the patrol boat Yser. The 38 cm long, 10.5 cm diameter shell was escorted to a designated demolition area and safely destroyed at 13:25.
Around the same time, about twenty French‑made 50 mm mortar shells from the Second World War were uncovered at a construction site in Le Blanc, Indre. Deminers from Roche responded within 24 hours, removing the ammunition to protect nearby residents. Both incidents illustrate the ongoing risk of unexploded ordnance resurfacing during marine and civil works in France.
Authorities reminded the public to avoid handling suspected munitions, to record GPS positions, and to contact emergency services immediately.
Entities: CROSS Gris‑Nez · Dieppe · Gilles Lherpinière · Le Blanc · Yser