Kathrine Frich
The victims were in the water when the blasts happened about 50 meters from the shore.
The victims were in the water when the blasts happened about 50 meters from the shore.
Three Tourists Killed by Sea Mines Near Odesa
At least three people have died after sea mines drifted toward beaches near Odesa.
The victims were a woman and two men. The explosions happened near the Zatoka beach resort in southern Ukraine.
Heatwave Turns to Horror
The incident happened around 11:30 a.m. on Sunday. Temperatures were about 30°C.
Many locals and tourists had gone to the beach to cool off. Two explosive devices went off in the water, killing swimmers.
Victims Swimming in a Banned Area
Local news outlet Dumskaya said the victims were in the water when the blasts happened about 50 meters from the shore.
Odesa regional chief Oleh Kiper confirmed: “All of them have been killed by explosive devices while swimming in areas prohibited for recreation.”
Beaches Closed Before Due to Mines
It is not the first time beachgoers have died from mines near Odesa.
Beaches have been closed before because of drifting mines. A recent closure had been lifted before the explosions.
Mines a Weapon in the Black Sea
Sea mines are now a preferred weapon for Russia in the Black Sea.
They are used to target Ukrainian shipping after heavy losses to the Kremlin’s navy in 2022.
Ukraine has also deployed mines to stop Russian landings. NATO allies have been making mines too.
How Mines Drift to Shore
Strong currents, heavy rain, and shifting tides can free mines from their positions.
Once loose, they can drift to beaches. This makes them dangerous to swimmers and coastal towns.
Other Threats in the Area
Since the war began in 2022, many unexploded mortars and aerial bombs have been found near beaches.
Ukrainian bomb disposal teams have removed them from the shoreline.
