Second World War Mine Detonated Off Croatian Coast

A Second World War mine found off the coast of Rijeka, Croatia, was successfully detonated on Sunday, March 19, local police said.

The German-made anti-ship mine with 690 kilos of explosives was found at a depth of 19 meters partially buried in the muddy bottom of the port of Rijeka last June, police said.

Police said the mine could not be exploded at the location it was found due to factors including its condition and the proximity of residential buildings and infrastructure.

The mine was therefore raised by balloons to a depth of about seven meters and moved before it was detonated around eight kilometers from land, police said.

Local media reported some local residents were evacuated the evening before the detonation, while transport facilities were suspended and shops were closed.

Video released by the Croatian Ministry of Internal Affairs shows the explosion. Credit: Croatian Ministry of Internal Affairs via Storyful