The Turkish Association of Offshore Vessel Captains proposed on Sunday to put pilot boats on certain routes in the Black Sea to ensure the safety of commercial vessels, after a mine was discovered in the Bosphorus the day before, Report informs, citing Hurriyet.
"Very sensitive radars are installed on commercial ships sailing in the Black Sea. Even the smallest objects in the sea can be fixed on these radars. In such cases, the ship immediately changes course. One of my suggestions is to put pilot boats on certain routes," Association President Zafer Akbulut said.
On March 26, the Dogan agency reported that fishermen found an object resembling a mine. Later, the Turkish Ministry of Defense confirmed that the object was a mine, which was successfully neutralized. According to Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar, he discussed this topic with representatives of Russia and Ukraine.
On March 19, the Public Relations Center (CSP) of the FSB reported that the mines planted by the Ukrainian Navy on approaches to ports in the Black Sea could drift towards the Bosphorus due to cable breaks. The center stressed that the Armed Forces of Ukraine "once again demonstrate complete disregard for the foundations of international law and for human lives, including citizens of the European Union states."
In accordance with the Convention relative to the Laying of Automatic Submarine Contact Mines, it is prohibited to lay anchored, auto-explosive mines which are not rendered safe if they fall off their mooring cables.