Operation to neutralize unexploded ordnance in Świnoujście

The operation will last until October 8. During this time, sailing restrictions and entry into the water are prohibited. Beaches remain accessible to walkers.

The bathing ban covers a several-kilometer fragment of the coast - from Ahlbeck in Germany to Międzyzdroje. Vessels must remain at least 821 meters from the scene of operations. The safety zone also reaches 8.8 km into the sea.

Before At 8, the ships of the 8th Coastal Defense Flotilla went to sea. Approximately 16 km of quays and beaches are secured by police officers. A ban on underwater and diving work in the port of Świnoujście was also introduced.

Neutralization of the first charge will begin at approximately 9 - 9.30. Several dozen sailors are participating in the activities - said the press officer of the 8th Coastal Defense Flotilla in Świnoujście, Cmdr. second lieutenant Grzegorz Lewandowski.

The mines weigh nearly 3.5 tons

The unexploded bombs in question are British airborne naval mines of the Mark IV, V and VI types. They weigh a total of almost 3.5 tons. Each contains from 350 to 550 kg of explosive, and the equivalent of the entire load is approximately 2.5 tons of TNT. They were dropped from planes to mine a strategic part of the reservoir.

The mines lie at a depth of about 10 meters, about a kilometer from the LNG Terminal. They will be neutralized by the deflagration method, i.e. controlled firing of explosive material without violent detonation. It does not cause damage to the environment. The work will be performed by mine divers from the 12th Minesweeper Squadron.

Despite the passage of time, they still pose a threat to the safety of navigation and future investments in this region - said Cmdr. second lieutenant Lewandowski.

Alerts for residents and tourists

The activities also involve, among others: police, border guards, fire brigades, WOT soldiers and representatives of the Regional Directorate for Environmental Protection. Residents and tourists in Świnoujście and Kamień Poviat received RCB alerts.