K-8 (Project 361) class MSB
(USSR)
Notes: These small wooden boats were used to sweep river estuaries and harbour basins. They towed, but did not carry, wire or self-powered solenoid sweep arrays, which had to be attached and retrieved as the boats left the pier. They were best employed in groups of three or four. All were built in Poland.
Displacement: 26t full Dimensions: 55’4”x10’5”x3’9”
Machinery: Diesel-direct: 2 Type 3-D-6 diesels, 2 shafts Max speed: 18kts
Range: 300NM @ 10kts Complement: 6
WEAPONS-Guns
x2 (1 twin) ZPU-2 12.7mm MG 0.5NM AA/surface
USERS
POLAND
A total of 28 units were built for Poland’s own use between 1953 and 1960; of which five had been scrapped by 1986. During the winter, the boats were stored on land. After 1991 they were discarded.
EGYPT
Two units, Safaga (610) and Abu El Gholson (613) were transferred in 1969. As late as 1996 they were both fully operational, but have now been placed into reserve. They were rarely observed minesweeping and were mostly used as security boats.
NICARAGUA
Four units, 500, 502, 504, and 506 were delivered from Soviet stocks in 1984. They were never even equipped with sweep gear and were used strictly as patrol boats. All had been discarded by 1993.
USSR
A total of 30 were imported from Poland, of which 4 were later diverted to Nicaragua. By 1995 the total had fallen to 15, and by 1997 only 7. These final units were retired in 1999.
VIETNAM
Five units were transferred in October 1980, they are believed to now be decommissioned.