A consolidated detachment from the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MChS) is currently engaged in clearing the waters of the Baltic Sea of explosive remnants from World War II. This operation focuses on demining the area surrounding a German barge that sank off the coast of Baltiysk in 1945.

The demining efforts have been underway for six years, addressing the vast quantity of munitions scattered across the seabed at a depth of 17 meters. The barge’s remains and the surrounding area are littered with hundreds of thousands of shells.

In the past month alone, divers have recovered more than 9,500 shells, according to a report released by the Ministry of Emergency Situations on June 9.

The operation involves a consolidated detachment comprised of specialists from multiple departments within the MChS. The fire and rescue boat “Igor Prokopchik” is being utilized to facilitate the work.

Divers from the “Leader” Center for Conducting Special Risk Rescue Operations are responsible for retrieving the dangerous ordnance from the seabed.

Rescuers transport the recovered munitions to the shore, where they are handed over to engineering troops. These troops then transport the explosives to a designated training ground for controlled demolition.

Inspectors from the State Inspectorate for Small Vessels (GIMS) are present to enforce a safety perimeter, preventing civilian vessels from entering the active demining zone.