TBILISI, February 15 has stepped up security measures in the country's territorial waters and is conducting a series of investigative measures following Monday's explosion near the coastline in the city of Batumi, the agency said in a statement.
Earlier on Monday, the Rustavi 2 TV company reported that in Batumi, on the seashore, a sea mine exploded, presumably, brought by the current. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia launched an investigation under an article that implies punishment for detonating explosives with the intent to kill or cause grievous bodily harm. At the same time, the ministry has not yet specified what exactly exploded in the sea.
«As part of the investigation, demining work was carried out, the remains of the explosive device were seized and appropriate examinations were appointed. The footage captured by the townspeople, depicting this fact, was seized and studied. The police have already interviewed eyewitnesses,» the statement said.
The Ministry notes that officers of the Coast Guard Department of the Border Police are gradually inspecting the waters of the Black Sea cities of Batumi and Poti, and also control the coastline from Anaklia to Sarpi. Monitoring is also periodically carried out with the help of special drones, special barriers will be installed along the coastline.
«Relevant subdivisions of the ministry will monitor the protection of the coastline with the help of special equipment and machinery, implement appropriate security measures in the territorial waters of Georgia. In addition, information meetings will be held with local fishermen, organizations involved in shipping and transport activities and representatives of local self-government,» the statement said.
The Agency emphasizes that in connection with the current situation in the region, similar facts have recently been observed in other states located near the Black Sea.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia also reports that it has previously received information from Turkey and Bulgaria about the discovery of mines floating in the waters of the countries of the Black Sea basin — Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria and Ukraine. The department was also informed that in the event of a storm, mines could fall into the territorial waters of Georgia.