Marine Security Bulletin - 08/2026 - Security incidents in the Black Sea

Dear Shipowners, Operators and Masters

Subject: Security incidents in the Black Sea

On 15 April, a tanker vessel was drifting while in ballast condition off Russia’s Novorossiysk port in the Black Sea (affected area) when it was struck by an unmanned surface vessel in position 4358.569N 037-49.085E. Master reported the blast from the strike caused damages to the starboard side of the vessel aft of the crew accommodation areas, close to the steering gear area. Initial assessment revealed damage 1 meter above the water line in a 12 square meter area with minor damage to other ship’s equipment. None of the bridge or its navigation equipment was damaged, and the vessel at present is fully operational with propulsion and steering. The vessel is currently enroute to a shipyard in Istanbul for repairs. All crewmembers are accounted for with no injuries reported and no pollution has been reported as a result of this incident.

A second vessel was struck on 15 April by a possible drone vessel while drifting in position 4426.847N 037-56.202E in the affected area, no crewmembers were injured but damage assessments are ongoing.

A third vessel was struck by suspected aerial drone on 16 April while moored at Tuapse port in Russia in position 44-6.049N 039-4.995 E. Drone attack resulted in a fire on deck that was extinguished by the ship’s crew members. No crew members were reported injured and damage assessment is pending further results.

Liberian flagged vessels are to operate at security level 2 while transiting the affected area and at security level 3 while in Ukrainian ports in accordance with MSA 10/2022 and implement all protective measures in their Ship Security Plan. Vessels at other ports in the affected area are required to act upon the security level set by the Designated Authority at those ports.

Operators and Masters should ensure that any planned operations or voyages do not take the vessel into any area, or engage in any activity, that would expose her to the risk of ongoing military operations. Vessels operating in these areas may encounter GPS interference, AIS spoofing, and/or other communications jamming. Vessels should ensure they are broadcasting on AIS (except when the Master believes that continuing to operate AIS might compromise the safety or security of the ship or when a security incident is imminent) and clearly state their intentions across VHF, consistent with provisions of the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), and monitor VHF Channel 16. Any vessels challenged by military vessels should comply fully with instructions.

Recommendations

Ships Masters should obtain the relevant NAVAREA III warnings and contact the local port authorities and ships agents for additional information. Ships navigating in these areas should also monitor NAVTEX messages, maintain a proper lookout for suspicious drifting objects and report immediately to ships and coast radio stations in the area with position and direction and speed of wind and current.

This is a dynamic situation, and changes may occur at any time. Owners, Operators, Company Security Officers and Masters are suggested monitoring the developments and liaising closely with local port agents and P&I correspondents for the latest information on facility conditions, dangerous sea areas and temporary port closures and navigational restrictions.

Advice, updates and links to external resources can be found at the following link: https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/HotTopics/Pages/MaritimeSecurityandSafetyintheBlackSe aandSeaofAzov.aspx

Operators and Masters should complete a Risk Assessment prior to entering the Black Sea area. In the event of any incident or suspicious activity, Liberian flagged vessels should activate the Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) immediately and notify the Liberian Security Department.

Contact Information

Please keep LISCR’s Security Department informed of any security incidents at:

Office of the Senior Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs Republic of Liberia

22980 Indian Creek Drive, Suite 200 Dulles, Virginia 20166 USA

D: +1 571 495 5944 / O: +1 703 790 3434 / F: +1 703 790 5655

Email: Security@liscr.com www.liscr.com

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