Three individuals have tragically lost their lives due to sea mines while swimming at a well-known tourist location in Odesa, Ukraine.
The resort town of Zatoka on the Black Sea continues to attract visitors despite the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. On Sunday, August 10, swimmers and sunbathers gathered at one of the beaches in the area to enjoy the sunshine.
Even though Russia’s large-scale invasion occurred more than three years ago, the Black Sea remains a popular destination for tourists. However, many beaches have been declared unsafe by Ukrainian authorities since the conflict began.
Local officials have been advising holidaymakers to avoid swimming in restricted waters due to the persistent threat of mines drifting in from the conflict areas.
The Zatoka tragedy unfolded on Sunday, when witnesses reported explosions at around 11:30 am local time. A local official later confirmed that two men and one woman were killed by explosive devices, according to the BBC.
Regional governor Oleh Kiper stated, “All of them have been killed by explosive devices while swimming in areas prohibited for recreation.”
He added, “This once again proves that being in unchecked waters is fatally dangerous. Each of them has undergone a comprehensive inspection — the presence of shelters, the absence of mine danger both on land and in water.”
Authorities in Zakota continue to issue warnings to visitors about the perils of swimming in restricted areas as the summer season intensifies.
The identities of the victims who perished at the beach between Karolino-Buhaz and Zatoka over the weekend have yet to be disclosed by police.
“It has been previously determined that three vacationers – a woman and two men – died while swimming as a result of two explosions of unknown objects. The identities of the deceased are being established,” the police report indicates.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Black Sea has become littered with minefields. Both sides have used mines to protect ports and obstruct naval routes.
Unfortunately, adverse weather and strong currents have caused some mines to become dislodged and drift towards popular tourist areas.
Donald Trump is set to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska this week to discuss bringing the war to a close.
“The highly anticipated meeting between myself, as President of the United States of America, and President Vladimir Putin, of Russia, will take place next Friday, August 15, 2025, in the Great State of Alaska,” Trump announced on Truth Social.
“Further details to follow. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
There are rumors that the President of the United States is contemplating inviting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the meeting.