29.08.2012
Text: Western Military District Press Service
Photo: Western Military District Press Service
Northern Fleet (NF) seagoing minesweeper Vladimir Gumanenko joined the fleet's anti-mine task unit. The ship has arrived in the Kara Sea and set upon searching and demolishing of explosive objects in the waters of the Gulf of Ob bounded by the Yamal Peninsula, Shokalsky and Bely islands.
Through 2 weeks of minesweeping works, 6 objects have been detected and exploded. Mine hazard in 20-sq km area has been eliminated.
Except for minesweeper
Vladimir Gumanenko, the NF task unit includes salvage tug
Pamir, hydrographic ship
Senezh, and replenishment oiler
Sergei Osipov.
According to archives, German submarine
U-639 planted non-contact magnetic mines early in Aug 1943 in the Kara Sea area mentioned above; 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 in the Gulf of Ob.
Minesweeping works in the region 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.
