Egypt arrests two men who attempted to steal artifacts from bottom of the sea

Egyptian authorities have arrested two men accused of attempting to steal hundreds of ancient artifacts from the seabed, CNN reports.

The Interior Ministry revealed that the suspects were caught diving in Abu Qir Bay, near Alexandria, and had retrieved 448 objects from the underwater site. The men reportedly confessed to plans to illegally traffic the recovered artifacts.

The stolen items date back to a 900-year period between 500 BC and 400 AD, spanning the Greek and Roman eras of Egyptian history. The collection includes 305 coins, 53 statues, 41 axes, 14 bronze cups, 12 spears, and three statue heads.

Photographs released by the Interior Ministry show the artifacts coated in a turquoise patina, a natural layer formed over centuries underwater.

Authorities reportedly continue to investigate the incident to prevent further thefts of Egypt's underwater heritage.