Mines were found in Lithuanian waters

08.09.2010 Three mines were found during the mine-clearance operation held in Lithuanian territorial waters; apparently, they remained since one of the world wars.

Currently, 120 sq km of sea bottom have been scanned. One mine, one torpedo, and one depth charge have been found so far. Twenty three mine anchors and three artificial objects were detected as well, said Lithuanian Navy's public affairs officer.

According to him, one out of the three objects was liquidated; permission to explode other two has not been obtained yet.

Weather conditions are favorable, and the operation was interrupted only once since Aug 30, said the officer. The weather might have been worse in this season. Only once the ships had to return because of 3-meter high waves. Now the operation can be perfectly continued as acoustic signal optimally propagates in water, explained the official. According to him, all 16 ships involved are presently deployed in the operation sites 50-60 km off shore.

About 800 servicemen, 16 warships, and three teams of divers from 10 countries (Belgium, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Lithuania, Norway, France, Russia, Finland, and Germany) take part in the operation held by Lithuanian Navy. The operation in the Baltic Sea started on Aug 30 and will last till Wednesday.

The military assumes that about 1,000 hazardous ammunitions sunken during world wars can be located within Lithuanian territorial waters.