The Unseen Threat of World War II Mines in the Black Sea
On the fateful morning of September 20, 2023, the crew of the Seama, a cargo vessel registered in Togo, experienced an explosion in the ship’s engine room. What could have easily been a devastating tragedy resulted in no loss of life, thanks to swift action by Romanian authorities. However, the event has reinvigorated discussions about a deadly issue: the presence of mines — both historical and new — in the Black Sea.
A Blast from the Past
The issue of World War II mines in the Black Sea is not just a matter of historical interest; it’s an active, immediate concern. Both Axis and Soviet forces planted more than 20,000 mines during that conflict. The mines were a military necessity back then, serving to disrupt naval operations and protect bases. But they’ve transformed into deadly relics that pose a substantial threat today, especially for the commercial shipping routes that crisscross the Black Sea. According to reports, hundreds of rudimentary sea mines have been deployed in the Black Sea since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February, 2022. Many of these mines subsequently came untethered from their moorings, and some have drifted into international waters. These mines lack appropriate fail-safes or self-neutralizing technology, and have caused several incidents of damage and death to civilian vessels. The Ukrainian government has accused Russia of intentionally setting these mines adrift in a false-flag attempt to frame Ukrainian forces and hold global trade hostage. The use of naval mines in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict has raised international concern over the humanitarian and legal implications of their indiscriminate use.
The Current Complexity
If these ancient threats were not enough, the recent political landscape has compounded the problem. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has led both nations to lay new mines in these waters since 2022. Unlike the technologically advanced mines used by modern navies, these are often rudimentary devices. They lack crucial safety features, making them prone to drift and, hence, more dangerous. The combination of new and old mines has turned the Black Sea into one of the most heavily mined regions globally. According to a report by the International Crisis Group, these mines pose a serious threat to people and the reopening of the grain shipping routes halted by Moscow’s sea blockade. Moreover, they could also have negative impacts on the marine environment, such as noise and light pollution, habitat destruction, and sediment plumes. These impacts could affect the biodiversity and ecosystem of the deep sea, which are vital for the Earth’s health. Therefore, it is imperative to find ways to prevent, detect, and remove these mines in a safe and sustainable manner.
The Human Element
This isn’t merely a geopolitical or historical issue; it has real human implications. Case in point: the Seama incident. On September 20, 2023, a Togo-flagged cargo ship named Seama was sailing from Turkey to Ukraine, carrying a load of cement. Around 2:30 a.m., an explosion rocked the vessel, injuring one crew member and damaging the stern. The ship was about 10 nautical miles east of Sulina, Romania, near the entrance of the Danube River. The Romanian authorities launched a rescue operation and evacuated all 12 crew members — Syrians, Turks, Lebanese, and an Egyptian — from the stricken ship. They were not combatants in a war or pawns in a geopolitical game. They were people with families, hopes, and dreams. And yet, they were almost casualties of a war that ended long before they were born, potentially victims of a new conflict they had no part in.
The cause of the explosion is still under investigation, but some sources suggest that the Seama may have hit a sea mine that drifted from the Black Sea. The Black Sea is littered with thousands of naval mines from World War II and the Cold War, some of which are still active and pose a threat to shipping and fishing. The Romanian Navy sent a minesweeper to the scene to inspect the area and look for any signs of a mine. The incident also raised concerns about the security situation in the region, as tensions between Ukraine and Russia have escalated in recent years over Crimea and eastern Ukraine. Some analysts speculate that Russia may have deployed new mines in the Black Sea to deter NATO naval activities and disrupt Ukrainian trade. The Seama incident could be a warning sign of a new mine warfare in Europe’s backyard.
The Economic Angle
The Black Sea is a vital economic artery. Ports like Sulina, Varna, and Constanta are essential hubs for trade between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Each mine explosion, each ship rendered unsalvageable, represents not just a human tragedy but an economic disruption.
According to a report by the Middle East Institute, the Black Sea and adjusted coastal regions are home to vast economic potential. The region accounts for nearly $3 trillion in combined nominal GDP and over 300 million people. The Black Sea also facilitates trade and energy flows between Europe, Eurasia, and the Middle East through interconnectors such as pipelines, railways, and highways.
However, the recent escalation of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has threatened the stability and security of the region. Russia has been accused of laying mines in the Black Sea to deter trade with Ukrainian ports, as well as launching drone attacks on oil refineries and power plants in Ukraine. These actions have caused damage to infrastructure, environment, and human lives, as well as increased the risk of maritime accidents and pollution.
