Ship operators are frequently preoccupied with threats emerging from land and the risks posed by other vessels at sea, and as a result threats lurking on the surface are neglected. Sea mines present a significant threat to ships and seafarers alike. The detonation of sea mines can cause extensive collateral damage, posing risks not only to vessels but also to marine life and ecosystems beneath the surface.
A naval mine, also known as a sea mine, is an autonomous explosive device placed in water to target surface vessels and/or submarines. Usually deployed by submarines or aircraft for offensive purposes, these mines can also serve defensively by obstructing access to particular maritime zones, channels, straits, or ports.
Types of Sea Mines.
Guided interceptor mines or torpedo mines, are essentially highly advanced and explosive self-propelled underwater missiles. These typically target submarines.
Floating or Drifting Mines
A type of gas cylinder containing highly explosive materials, ranging in size. These types of mines are considered unreliable and defective because they are not anchored in a single place, they have the potential to drift at sea. Consequently, these types of mines were outlawed by the 1907 Hague Convention.
Bottom Mines
Bottom mines, designed to sink, are positioned on the sea floor in relatively shallow water. These difficult-to-detect mines do not drift and can be used to target submarines.
Moored Mines
Like bottom mines, moored mines are used to target submarines as well as ships. These mines are tethered by a chord and anchors. Should the tether detach or erode, these types of mines can potentially drift and resurface on beaches.
The explosive nature and unpredictability of sea mines is precisely what makes them so dangerous to vessel navigation, fishing boats and maritime telecommunications lines. Both states and non-state groups operating at sea employ sea mines for a range of purposes. Tactically, sea mines can be used to paralyse a vessel or direct a vessel toward a specific area or port where said vessel may be targeted by robbers.
The damage inflicted on vessels may vary depending on the type of mine, type of vessel and location of impact. Typically, mines cause shockwaves and result in cracks in a ship’s hull, if powerful enough. This leads to the formation of a gas bubble which expands until the pressure surrounding the water causes it to collapse. This happens repeatedly and the subsequent rapid pulsing breaks a ship apart, snaps it in half and/or sinks the vessel.
The Red Sea
Since 2015, the Houthis have sporadically planted sea mines in the southern Red Sea, establishing a network of mines. Guided interceptor mines have been found along Yemen's western coast. Some of the Houthi mines have been deployed along the coast near the Midi port, where there are shipping lanes, populated islands, and fishing areas grounds.
These sea mines pose substantial threats to maritime safety and security in the area.
The Black Sea
Like the Red Sea, naval mines are also a concern in the Black Sea. In December 2023, a cargo ship collided with a naval mine while en route to Ukraine. Drifting sea mines have been identified in the Black Sea, and coastal authorities have reported deactivating some of them. Yet, the possibility of additional mines in the vicinity persists.
In March 2024, a stray mine was detected in the Southwestern Black Sea and safely neutralised. Nevertheless, the ongoing presence of these mines and the associated risks remain unresolved.
As a precaution, vessels should avoid floating objects, ensure the forward area of the ship is clear of crew, and maintain effective lookouts. Furthermore, commercial vessels are advised to monitor local authorities' broadcasts for navigational warnings. Vessels operating in high-risk areas, where the presence or absence of mines cannot be confirmed, should seek alternative, safer routes.
Upgrade Your Security with Palaemon's PRO-TECT Anti-Piracy Barriers.
Trusted by the world's largest shipping companies and available to rent.
Anti-Piracy Barrier
Comentarios