Bulgarian, Romanian and Turkish warships will search for sea mines off Bulgaria's coast from 7 to 18 October, the Bulgarian navy said. The search is part of the latest activation of the Black Sea mine countermeasures group, "MCM Black Sea", which the Bulgarian navy is hosting.

Bulgaria is taking command of the group for the second time, Flotilla Admiral Vanyo Musinski, deputy commander of the navy, told BNT.

Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey set up the group in January 2024 to keep shipping safe and clear drifting mines in the Black Sea.

"Since the group was activated, not a single ship of ours has hit a mine," Musinski said.

"Having the group gives peace of mind to the shipping business and to everyone else who earns a living from the sea," the admiral said.