Everything we know as three swimmers are killed by sea mines that washed onto beach

A day at the beach turned deadly on Sunday when drifting sea mines exploded near popular tourist spots in southern Ukraine, killing at least three people. 

The blasts tore through the resort area of Zatoka at around 11:30 a.m., sending swimmers and sunbathers fleeing in panic. Witnesses say the victims, a woman and two men, were in the water when two explosive devices detonated roughly 50 meters from shore, according to BBC News.

Odesa regional governor Oleh Kiper confirmed the fatalities, stating: “All of them have been killed by explosive devices while swimming in areas prohibited for recreation.”

Police reported that one man died in Karolino-Buhaz, while the other two victims perished in Zatoka. Both areas fall within the Karolino-Buhaz community in the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district, where swimming has been officially banned due to the danger of drifting mines.

Footage from the scene shows stunned beachgoers standing along the shoreline, with the water quickly emptying after the deafening blasts, reports The Sun.

Bomb disposal teams, rescue crews, and investigators immediately swept the coastline for more mines.

Authorities have launched a criminal investigation under Article 115 of Ukraine’s penal code, classifying the incident as an “accident” at this stage.

Despite repeated warnings from officials, swimmers have continued to enter restricted waters. Only two beaches in the Odesa region are currently open: the central city beach in Chornomorsk and one in Primorske, Izmail district.

The Black Sea has been heavily mined since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, with both sides deploying explosives to defend ports and disrupt naval routes. Powerful storms and strong currents often dislodge them, sending them drifting into shallow, populated coastal areas. Once a thriving holiday hotspot, Odessa’s coastline has been hit especially hard.

Identities of the deceased

Police say they have not yet confirmed the identity of the swimmers, while also warning visitors to be aware of safety measures.

"It has been previously determined that three vacationers, a woman and two men, died while swimming as a result of two explosions of unknown objects. The identities of the deceased are being established," the police report states.

BBC details that 30 areas are currently safe for swimming, with 30 of these located in Odessa, according to authorities.

Featured image credit: Nikoletta Stoyanova / Getty Images.