Greek beach evacuated after artillery discovery

[May 21, 2013]  ATHENS, Greece (AP) -- A surprise shell has caused a big stir at a popular Athens beach.

Greek authorities evacuated the seafront Monday after a swimmer found a corroded artillery shell just 10 yards from dry land, fished it out and presented it to a lifeguard.

A coast guard statement said army explosives experts were rushed to Vouliagmeni beach and safely disposed of the munition. The 30-centimeter (12-inch) round dated to World War II, when much of the coastline around Athens was heavily fortified.

Athenians have been flocking to nearby beaches over the past few days as the country suffered an early heat wave, with temperatures over 30 degrees Centigrade (86 Fahrenheit).

[Associated Press]

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