VILNIUS, May 13 (Xinhua) -- A French warship participating in the international Open Spirit 2025 naval operation discovered the first sea mine on Tuesday, about 38 nautical miles off the Lithuanian port of Klaipeda, the Baltic News Service reported.
The mine, found by the French minesweeper Andromede (M643), will be destroyed at sea once clearance is granted.
Held on a rotational basis among the Baltic states since 1997, Open Spirit aims to clear historic explosives left from the two World Wars. Over 200 mines, bombs, and torpedoes have been detected in Lithuanian waters alone, alongside remnants of 17 sunken ships and two aircraft.
This year's operation runs through May 23 in Lithuania's territorial waters and exclusive economic zone. According to Lithuanian Navy Commander Captain Giedrius Premeneckas, the mission is vital for protecting underwater infrastructure and ensuring maritime safety. ■
