Ship anchor mines were found in Azerbaijani sector of Caspian Sea and will be neutralised on May 9
During the inspection of the territorial reconnaissance of the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea, conducted by Umid Babek Operating (UBOC), unidentified objects were discovered at a depth of up to 60 meters. This was announced on May 4 by the Ministry of Defence of Azerbaijan.
“Specialists and crews of the Naval Forces (Azerbaijan) found six large ship anchor mines (KB-1), which were dropped into the water without fully complying with mining standards in the days of the former USSR. From May 9 of this year, depending on weather conditions, it is planned, in cooperation with other state institutions and in compliance with security measures, to neutralise the discovered mines and continue search activities,” the military department shared. “The mine detection area is temporarily closed to navigation for security reasons. Civil works in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea continue as usual,” the Ministry of Defence added.
Earlier, Caucasus Watch reported that Azerbaijan will reissue nautical charts, update computerised Caspian Sea maps for boats flying the Azerbaijani flag, and alter the water areas of its ports. During a meeting of representatives from Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company and Baku International Sea Trade Port, the decision was made to update the computerised map of Azerbaijan's Caspian Sea water basin.
The parties also addressed the establishment of new trestle coordinates and their depiction on new edition maps, the establishment of a new anchorage in Sangachal village's water zone, and the maintenance and repair of navigation equipment (buoys, sections, lighthouses, and coastal signs). Therefore, on the new sea maps, the coordinates of the items under development will be displayed.