Usedom coast faces swimming ban due to WWII mine discovery

A swimming and water sports ban has been implemented along a 20-kilometer stretch of the Baltic Sea coast, affecting the German island of Usedom and parts of Poland. The restriction, which remains in effect until October 8, follows the discovery of five World War II-era sea mines near Swinemünde, Poland.

The explosives were located approximately ten meters deep and one kilometer from the shore during preparatory work for a new container port in Swinemünde. The mines, identified as British Mark IV, Mark V, and Mark VI types, weigh a combined total of approximately 3.5 tons and contain roughly 2,500 kilograms of explosives.

The Polish Navy's 12th Mine Countermeasures Squadron is conducting the neutralization operations. Due to the proximity of the site to the German-Polish border, the safety zone extends to the German coast, including the seaside resorts of Ahlbeck and Heringsdorf. Local authorities in Heringsdorf have posted warning signs at beach access points to enforce the ban. While swimming is prohibited, excursion ships are permitted to continue operating in the area.