How aircraft helped minesweepers find danger

Were Sunderland flying boats used to help find naval mines?

Yes; Sunderland and Swordfish crews watched for mines and reported suspicious sightings or radar contacts to minesweepers.

Maritime aircraft extended the search area available to surface minesweeping forces. Sunderland flying boats and Fairey Swordfish crews maintained a lookout for mines during their patrols. A suspicious visual or radar contact could be reported so that minesweepers knew where to investigate. Aerial reconnaissance guided the surface work of clearing shipping routes.