World War II bomb discoveries in Crete

Following the discovery of World War II-era unexploded ordnance in Crete, authorities have implemented significant safety measures in different locations.

On Dia Island, a bomb discovered by a tourist near Kapari Bay led the Heraklion Port Authority to ban all maritime activities within a 1.5 nautical mile perimeter. The restrictions prohibit swimming and vessel movement, including fishing and recreational boats, pending a scheduled disposal operation.

In central Chania, a large aerial bomb discovered during construction work at the intersection of Yampoudaki and Kritovoulidou streets triggered a major neutralization operation. The ordnance, described as weighing between 70 and 250 kilograms, prompted the establishment of a 300-meter safety zone and the evacuation of nearby residences, shops, and offices. Several educational institutions, including the 4th, 8th, and 20th Primary Schools and the 25th Kindergarten, were preemptively evacuated, with students and staff relocated to Markopoulou Park. Police cordoned off roads in the Agia Ioanni and Dikastiria areas, disrupting traffic on streets such as I. Sfakianaki and Yampoudaki.

A specialized military team from the Xirás Narcotics Disposal Department (TENX) arrived from Athens to manage the situation. The operation concluded around 14:00 on Wednesday, when the bomb was successfully neutralized and transported to a secure military facility for final disposal. Following the removal, police lifted all restrictions and reopened the affected streets to the public.