20.08.2012
Text: Western Military District Press Service
Photo: Western Military District Press Service
Northern Fleet (NF) mine-clearing task unit started disposal works of explosive objects in the Gulf of Ob, Kara Sea.
A piece of unexploded ordnance founded by the task unit was demolished on Aug 16. A diver dropped by NF rescue tug
Pamir planted a charge on the object and then it was exploded.
Other two explosive objects are planned to be demolished tomorrow.
The NF task unit began search and disposal of explosive objects on Aug 15. It consists of rescue tug
Pamir, hydrographic ship
Senezh, and replenishment oiler
Sergei Osipov. Minesweeping works in the Gulf of Ob will last till ice formation. Ships of the task unit left basing sites in the Kola Bay on Aug 10.
According to archives, German submarine
U-639 planted non-contact magnetic mines early in Aug 1943 in the Kara Sea; presently, those mines can pose a threat to diving works and shipping. With this end in view, the task unit sweeps mines along fairways and recommended routes of the Gulf of Ob.
Minesweeping works in the Gulf of Ob were started by NF experts in Aug 2011. As a result, the 200-sq km zone was opened for navigation in the last year. In total, 24 explosive objects were detected and disposed.
