<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nCleaning the Baltic Sea is an international task. The video provides an insight into the work of the Lithuanian Navy divers and Finnish Navy specialists off the coast of Latvia, searching for and neutralizing mines. Until December, the Latvian Navy ship \u201cVirsaitis\u201d is leading the first NATO mine countermeasures group. Cooperation between the participating countries is described as smooth and efficient, and the command centers are doing an excellent job ensuring navigation safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Mine detection process and technologies<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nMinesweeping begins with careful planning, determining the number of divers needed and the unmanned aerial vehicles to be used. Suspected areas are then surveyed using sonar. Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are used, which are not drones, but unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that scan the surrounding area with side-scanning sonars. These advanced devices can scan a much larger area of the seabed than a diver could. After the sonar is removed from the water, the data is analyzed to identify potentially dangerous objects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>The role of divers and the use of explosives<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nOnce the sonar has identified a suspicious object, the divers, who usually work in pairs, begin their work. Their task is to visually identify, fix and record the location of the mines. There are many different objects under the water \u2013 from cannon barrels and interestingly shaped rocks to shipwrecks and fragments of mine weights, but the mines are still the most valuable finds. If a mine is found, the preparation of explosives and the actual detonation are planned. Finnish specialists add explosives to the mine using a remotely controlled yellow robot, allowing the detonation to be carried out from a safe distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Various finds on the seabed<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAlthough the main task is to remove mines, the seabed also hides other objects. For example, during one 48-hour sonar mission, six mines were found, as well as about 90 pieces of the weights used to place the mines, which are not explosive in themselves. Various interesting rocks, boxes and objects from ships are also examined. Every suspicious object that resembles a mine must be examined, although experts do not hide the fact that finding rocks that resemble mines is not as pleasant as discovering a real mine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Critical infrastructure protection<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIn addition to mine search and destruction, the NATO Naval Command assigns the ships to perform the Baltic Watch mission. This mission includes the protection of critical infrastructure located on the Baltic Sea floor, such as submarine cables. Any NATO military ship has the right to inspect suspicious vessels that are near these objects or are performing suspicious maneuvers. The crew of the ship \u201cVirsaitis\u201d has not yet had any cases when any ship refused to cooperate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Shadow Fleet Surveillance and Risks<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nNATO also monitors so-called \u201cshadow fleet\u201d ships \u2013 those linked to sanctions or engaged in suspicious activities. The checks usually involve radioing the ship\u2019s crew, asking questions about the route and flag to ensure that the information provided matches what is on file.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Suspicious vessels that pass through critical infrastructure or suddenly stop are given special attention. One of the most high-profile incidents occurred when the Estonian Navy tried to inspect the Gabonese-flagged Russian oil tanker Jaguar near the Estlink cable connecting Estonia and Finland. In response to the Estonian military presence, Russia sent SU-35 fighter jets, illustrating the tensions in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Conclusion<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe new reality in the Baltic Sea requires a dual approach to ensuring security. While one part of the team, using modern technology and the work of divers, frees the sea from the legacy of war - mines, the other part performs the Baltic Watch mission, monitoring maritime traffic and trying to prevent any damage to critical underwater infrastructure. This professional work ensures navigation safety and the future cleanliness and stability of the Baltic Sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n