A day at the beach turned deadly when three swimmers — two men and a woman — were killed after sea mines drifted too close to Zatoka Beach, a popular tourist area near the city of Odesa in southern Ukraine.

The Black Sea, once a favorite holiday destination, has become increasingly dangerous since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Many beaches have been closed, with strict warnings urging visitors to avoid prohibited waters.

According to local reports, the explosions occurred roughly 165 feet from the shore. The victims were swimming in a restricted area when the mines detonated.

“All of them have been killed by explosive devices while swimming in areas prohibited for recreation,” regional governor Oleh Kiper confirmed. “This proves once again that being in unchecked waters is fatally dangerous.”

The Ongoing Mine Threat

After losing much of its navy early in the war, Russia began laying sea mines in the Black Sea to target Ukrainian vessels. Ukraine has also deployed mines to block potential Russian troop landings along its coast.

Strong currents, storms, and shifting tides can dislodge these mines, causing them to drift toward the shore. In addition to sea mines, unexploded mortars and aerial bombs have been found in the water — making the area one of the most hazardous places to swim in the region.

Police told the BBC that the identities of the three victims are still being confirmed.

“It has been determined that three vacationers — a woman and two men — died as a result of two explosions of unknown objects. The identities of the deceased are being established,” the report stated.

Diplomatic Developments

Meanwhile, in an effort to end the war, U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, August 15, 2025.

“The highly anticipated meeting between myself, as President of the United States of America, and President Vladimir Putin, of Russia, will take place next Friday… Further details to follow,” Trump announced on Truth Social.

Some media outlets report that Trump may also invite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to join the talks.