Low water levels expose unexploded WWII bombs in Dutch rivers, sparking safety concerns
Low water levels in the Netherlands are causing unexploded bombs and munitions left over from World War II — along with other explosives — to surface or lie just below the water, RTV Oost reports. This creates life-threatening hazards, especially for magnet fishers who use strong magnets to pull metal objects from rivers, canals, and floodplains.
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit (EOD) responds about 100 times a year on average to explosives recovered by magnet fishers. In total, the EOD handles roughly 2,500 explosive incidents each year across the country. These include unexploded World War II munitions as well as homemade bombs made with chemicals, fertilizers, or consumer fireworks. The devices are found both on land and underwater.
The ongoing drought has lowered water levels enough to expose more riverbanks and floodplains. While this leaves houseboats high and dry, it also attracts more walkers, recreational visitors, and magnet fishers to the newly accessible areas.
As water drops in rivers, canals, and floodplains, objects long hidden on the bottom can become visible or rest near the surface. This includes bombs, grenades, and aircraft munitions that remained underwater for decades.
The EOD strongly advises magnet fishers who suspect they have hooked an explosive not to pull it off the magnet.
"Hang it back in the water. Rusty metal can break," an EOD spokeswoman told RTV Oost. She said people should contact police right away. Officers will then decide if the EOD needs to respond.
The spokeswoman pointed out that not all recovered weapons date to World War II. Some may come from recent criminal activity, where DNA evidence preserved best in water can play a key role in investigations.
Finders are urged never to take such items home or leave them unattended. "Stay with the object until the police are on site. And as a general rule: if you pull up something you don't trust, call the police," the spokeswoman said.
Once secured, the EOD renders the device harmless. It does this either by controlled detonation at the spot or by transporting it to a safe location for destruction.
