20 Dangerous Artifacts Pulled from Ocean Wrecks

In 1919, the German High Seas Fleet was scuttled by its own crews at Scapa Flow in Scotland. The wrecks are a diver’s paradise, but they hide white phosphorus. This substance, used in some ammunition, has a peculiar property. It is pyrophoric, meaning it ignites instantly and spontaneously upon contact with the air. Any phosphorus bombs brought to the surface pose an immediate fire hazard. They must be kept underwater or handed over to specialized disposal teams before they can burst into flames.