The body of an unidentified man was recovered from the waters off a beach northeast of the Greek capital, with a 10-kilogram (22-pound) barbell attached to his leg by a rope, the coast guard reported.
The discovery was made on Sunday afternoon at Schinias beach, near the town of Marathon. Authorities were alerted to the presence of the body, and a diver retrieved it approximately 100 meters (110 yards) from the shore. The man's body was then transported by ambulance to a hospital, where his death was confirmed.
According to the authorities, the body had been in the water for several days. The man was estimated to be between 40 and 45 years old, and an autopsy was scheduled to take place.
Investigators at the nearby port of Rafina were looking into the incident. Schinias beach is known to attract large crowds, but it is unclear if anyone witnessed the incident or the events leading up to it.