500-Kilo WWII Bomb Unexpectedly Found In Rhine During Dredging

A 500-kilogram World War II bomb was unexpectedly pulled by a dredging vessel on April 1, 2025, while working near the Pfaffendorf Bridge in Koblenz.

The dredger Innovatie was conducting regular operations in the Rhine River when it unintentionally lifted the bomb onto its deck.

The discovery led to an immediate security response from authorities, as the two intact detonators were still attached to the explosive.

For safety, the vessel was moved to the Koblenz Moselle lock. However, bomb disposal experts from Rhineland-Palatinate’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) squad found that the bomb could not be safely removed from the dredger.

It will have to be defused on board the vessel itself.

Authorities have scheduled the defusing operation for Friday, April 4. The dredger will be relocated to the Güls Moselbogen area, which was chosen due to its lower population density and suitable infrastructure.

The evacuation zone will cover a 1,000-meter radius, affecting approximately 1,000 people. The evacuation includes:

• Residents in parts of Koblenz-Lay
• The Güls campsite and sports harbour
• Students and staff from Lay Elementary School and a local daycare center

Everyone within the affected zone must leave by 8:30 am on Friday, as emergency personnel will begin checks to confirm that the area is cleared.

Only after full evacuation will the bomb disposal team proceed with the defusal operation. The city has provided alternative accommodations to assist those affected:

School staff and youth welfare officers will look after children from the daycare and elementary school at Lay Schützenhalle.

Those who do not have alternative housing can go to Legiahalle, which will serve as a temporary shelter from 8 am. However, pets and food are not allowed inside.

Key transport routes will be closed during the defusing process, including, the Federal Highway 416 on the left bank of the Moselle River and the railway line along the Moselle River.

Meanwhile, Federal Highway 327 (Hunsrückhöhenstraße) and Layer Bergweg will remain open. Waste collection in the affected area is also being completed before the evacuation begins to avoid disruption.

This is the second time a WWII-era bomb has been found during construction work near the Pfaffendorf Bridge. In September, a 250-kilogram US Air Force bomb was found at the same site and was later detonated in a controlled explosion.

Koblenz, historically a key military location, was home to the command post of German Army Group B during World War II. Like many German cities, it suffered heavy bombing by Allied forces, particularly from the US Air Force and Royal Air Force.

Even today, unexploded ordnance continues to be discovered in the region. Loudspeaker announcements will also be made in the affected neighbourhoods to remind residents about the evacuation.

Reference: koblenz