Mines threaten ships and civilians off Ukraine's coast

Ukrainian Navy crews patrol the waters off Odesa, one of the world's most dangerous maritime zones, hunting mines and debris from constant Russian attacks. Using drones and divers, they investigate unidentified objects — often missile fragments, sometimes live explosives.

With the Black Sea heavily mined and ships crowding the area, their work remains risky. Even if the war ended now, clearing the waters could take up to a decade.