Minesweeper facts for kids
For the video game, see Minesweeper (video game)
A minesweeper is a special kind of naval ship. Its main job is to find and remove dangerous mines from the water. Mines are like underwater bombs. Minesweepers help keep important waterways safe for other ships to travel. These ships are built to be very quiet and have less magnetism. This helps prevent the mines from exploding too early.
Contents
How Minesweepers Developed
Early Minesweepers and World War I
Before World War I, countries like Great Britain worried about sea mines. They knew mines could stop ships from moving freely. This could lead to a blockade, cutting off supplies.
Early ideas for clearing mines came from fishing nets. The Royal Navy used regular fishermen and their trawlers. These boats were given special gear, rifles, and uniforms. They became the first minesweepers, helping to clear the English Channel.
During World War I, the first ships built just for minesweeping appeared. But by the end of the war, mines became much harder to find and remove.
Minesweepers in World War II
Minesweeping technology got much better during World War II. Many countries quickly changed existing ships to become minesweepers. Both the Allied and Axis powers used them a lot.
Underwater mines were a big problem even after the war ended. Minesweepers were still needed after Japan surrendered to the United States.
Modern Minesweepers
After World War II, countries worked on new types of minesweepers. The United States Navy used special shallow-water boats. These boats helped clear harbors in places like North Korea.
As of June 2012, the U.S. Navy had four minesweepers. They were working in the Persian Gulf. Minesweepers continue to be important for keeping sea lanes safe today.
Images for kids
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Minesweeper J 636 sailing in British waters during World War II
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A diagram showing a minesweeper cutting loose moored mines
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Siegburg, a modern Ensdorf-class minesweeper of the German Navy
See also
In Spanish: Dragaminas para niños
