Ukrainian media outlets are reporting that three individuals—two men and one woman—were killed by sea mines while swimming in the Odesa region.
A regional official has verified that the three fatalities were caused by “explosive devices” detonating at beaches near Zatoka, where swimming is currently prohibited.
The Black Sea has historically been a favored vacation spot in Ukraine, but a significant number of its beaches have been declared unsafe following Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Authorities have issued repeated warnings, urging individuals to refrain from swimming in restricted waters.
Eyewitness accounts provided to local news source Dumskaya indicate that the explosions occurred at approximately 11:30 AM (09:30 BST) on Sunday, situated between Karolino-Buhaz and Zatoka.
Regional governor Oleh Kiper confirmed, “All of them have been killed by explosive devices while swimming in areas prohibited for recreation.”
He added, “This once again proves that being in unchecked waters is fatally dangerous.”
Law enforcement officials state that the identities of the deceased swimmers have not yet been confirmed, and they are cautioning visitors “not to neglect safety measures.”
According to a police report, “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.”
Officials have designated thirty-two areas as safe for swimming, with thirty of these located within the Odesa region.