A freely drifting mine may have broken away from its tether and can become a danger to anyone using the sea. Its movement makes it difficult to confine the hazard to an intended operating area. Even a hypothetical plan to make mines destroy themselves after a fixed period leaves the possibility that one reaches a friendly port first. Fishing vessels provide an example of the shipping exposed to that uncontrolled risk.
Notable Point · 1:29:07-1:30:06
Why freely drifting mines threaten friendly shipping too
Mines that escape their moorings can spread beyond the intended area and threaten friendly ports and fishing vessels.