Navigating Underwater Dangers: The Men Clearing Russian Mines in the Black Sea

Tue Feb 03 2026 17:07:18 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Ukrainian Navy divers face perilous conditions as they work to clear the Black Sea of deadly mines left by Russian forces. This article explores their dangerous mission, the challenges they face, and the importance of maintaining maritime safety.

In the Black Sea, Ukrainian divers are tasked with clearing a treacherous landscape riddled with mines and unexploded ordnance. With each dive presenting potential dangers, these brave individuals take calculated risks to ensure the safety of shipping routes crucial for Ukraine’s economy amidst ongoing conflict. Commander Fox estimates thousands of mines in the waters, complicating efforts further as summer incidents underscore the stakes. Despite the hazards, the resolve of these divers highlights their commitment to safeguarding maritime traffic and restoring safety in this crucial passageway.

The Black Sea is littered with deadly weapons. But no one knows how many – or where they are.

When we approach it, we should be quiet, slow – and very accurate, says Vitalii, a Ukrainian Navy diver, as he describes swimming through dark waters toward explosive devices resting on the sea floor.

The 31-year-old is part of a team of 20 tasked with de-mining the parts of the Black Sea still under Ukraine's control. Mines, especially those submerged in ocean currents, pose one of the most insidious threats in wartime.

The danger is not merely theoretical; last summer, three swimmers were killed by mines off the Odesa coast.

Commander Fox, leading the navy's mine countermeasures group, estimates numerous sea mines are in the Black Sea, with missiles and unexploded ordnance also posing threats due to the 2022 Kakhovka dam explosion.

Despite the contamination, maritime traffic remains vital for Ukraine's economy. The UK supplied mine-hunting vessels to Ukraine; however, they're still stationed in the UK due to the risks involved.

With detailed protocols for identifying and neutralizing mines, divers like Vitalii approach their task with security measures, moving slowly to avoid detonation. The continued effort is vital for maritime access, underscoring the intersection of warfare and economic survival.