Neutralisation of unexploded ordnance from World War II lying in the Port of Gdynia

Neutralisation of unexploded ordnance from World War II lying in the Port of Gdynia

Neutralisation of unexploded World War II munitions lying in the Port of Gdynia will take place on 4-7.10 and 10.10.2022. In connection with the action, the following safety zones have been established:

• on the Bay of Gdansk: from the shoreline in the section Babie Doły – Gdansk Westerplatte (inclusive) up to 11 km into the sea (staying in the water during the hours of operation poses a threat to life and health)
• on land: the areas of the Port of Gdynia, the Military Port and the PGZ Military Shipyard (staying in open, uncovered areas endangers life and health).

The zones are in force during the following hours:

• on 4-6.10: 11.00-15.00
• on 7 and 10.10: 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.

The combat phase of the operation will begin on Tuesday, 4 October. Each day one object will be destroyed. Aerial bombs found inside the harbour will be removed first, while the destruction of GC-type sea mines lying on the harbour roadstead is planned for the following days. The entire operation is scheduled to be completed on Monday, 10 October.

Within a radius of 750 m from the unexploded ordnance located inside the harbour, an absolute no-personnel zone is in force in open areas (roof terraces, balconies, pavements, streets, etc.). During this time, people are allowed inside buildings, but away from windows and glass surfaces.

Area of planned destruction and danger zone for people in the water

The operation will be conducted by the Miner Divers Group of the 13th minesweeper squadron from the 8th Coastal Defence Flotilla. The removal of mines is essential to maintain the safety of navigation in the area. The operation is scheduled to last 5 working days, due to the amount of unexploded ordnance located – 2 GC type sea mines and 3 aerial bombs.

The Director of the Maritime Office in Gdynia has issued relevant ordinances in this respect: https://www.umgdy.gov.pl/akty_prawne/.

The mines were located during preparatory works commissioned by the Port of Gdynia Authority S.A. to dredge the inner waters of the Port of Gdynia (Task I, Stage III).

Out of concern for your safety, we appeal to you to observe the restrictions that will be in force on the days of the neutralisation of the unexploded munitions and to follow the instructions of the services participating in securing the course of the operation.

Bathymetric images of GC mines lying in the Port Gdynia avanport, obtained from hydrographic surveys of the Maritime Office in Gdynia, taken on 13.06.2022.

Title photo: 8^th Coastal Defence Flotilla

Rejon planowanego zniszczenia oraz strefa niebezpieczna dla osób w wodzie

Obrazy batymetryczne min GC,  zalegających w awanporcie Poru Gdynia, uzyskany na podstawie pomiarów hydrograficznych Urzędu Morskiego w Gdyni, wykonanych w dniu 13.06.2022 r.

Fot. tytułowa: 8 Flotylla Obrony Wybrzeża