Guardia di Finanza divers recover suspected war munition off Italian Adriatic coast

Background on the wreck

According to the information provided, the recovery took place from a depth of 23 meters. "Es handelte sich nur um einen Routineeinsatz, doch dann entdeckten sie mutmaßliche Kriegsmunition – und das in 23 Metern Tiefe", the statement describes. As a result, the original mission of the Guardia di Finanza's air and naval operations unit unexpectedly expanded.

The wreck is that of the historic ship "Quintino Sella". This warship sank off the coast of Venice in 1943 during the Second World War and has lain on the seabed ever since. According to the authorities, the current find site is located in the Adriatic seaside resort of Cavallino, not far from the Venetian Lagoon.

Operation in the Adriatic resort of Cavallino

"Eine Luft- und Marineoperationseinheit der italienischen Guardia di Finanza untersuchte im Zuge einer Unterwasseroperation ein versunkenes Wrack namens ‚Quintino Sella‘", the official account explains. During the work on the wreck, the operation personnel noticed the old wartime relic, which lay on the seabed in the immediate vicinity of the wreck. The specific find site of the recovered object is being linked to the region around Ancona, where specialists are said to have taken over the further investigation.

The Italian news agency Ansa picked up on the find. The Austrian broadcaster OE24 TV also reported on the incident, referring to reports according to which local residents of the coast had become aware of the situation. From the available information, it emerges that the responsible maritime authorities were informed about the find in order to coordinate the necessary safety measures.

War munition in the Adriatic

The recovery of munition remnants from the sea is not uncommon in the northern Adriatic. During the Second World War, numerous ships were sunk in this sea area, whose cargo still lies on the bottom to this day. Divers and authorities repeatedly come across grenades, torpedoes or other explosive remnants that must be properly defused or detonated.

The suspected war munition was examined by specialists after recovery. Regarding the current status of the investigations, any possible defusal or whereabouts of the object, no conclusive information was available at the time of reporting.

Security situation along the coast

The incident illustrates the ongoing danger posed by munition-laden wrecks in popular bathing waters. According to their own statements, the responsible authorities in Italy carry out regular checks in order to protect bathers, fishermen and recreational divers.

With the recovery of the object at the wreck of the "Quintino Sella", the work of the operation personnel is, according to the current state of affairs, not yet complete. The investigations into the origin and nature of the relic are ongoing.