Drifting sea mine destroyed off Odesa coast, Ukrainian Navy says PHOTO / VIDEO

A drifting naval mine discovered in the Black Sea off the coast of Odesa has been safely destroyed by Ukrainian naval personnel, the country's Navy said.

According to a statement posted by the Ukrainian Navy on Facebook, the explosive device was detected during routine monitoring of the Black Sea.

A specialist bomb disposal team was immediately deployed to the area after the mine was located. The device was subsequently neutralised in a controlled explosion carried out under strict safety procedures.

The Navy said the operation removed a potential danger to civilian shipping and people along the coastline.

By Aghakazim Guliyev