Marine Security Bulletin: 18/2026 - Multiple Security incidents in the Black Sea

Dear Shipowners, Operators and Masters

Subject: Multiple Security incidents in the Black Sea

On 15 July, there were multiple attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea. The regional maritime security threat remains high.

A Liberian flagged bulk carrier was moored at the Mykolaiv Sea Port in Ukraine when it was struck by an unknown military weapon, possibly an unmanned aerial drone. The resulting impact caused a fire onboard the vessel. The fire has since been extinguished by the crew. The Master reports that one (1) crew member was seriously burned and has since passed away. No other injuries to crew members were reported and further damage assessments are ongoing. There is currently no risk of pollution.

A second Liberian flagged bulk carrier vessel was struck on 15 July likely by unmanned aerial drones and suffered damage to the superstructure while in the special maritime corridor in the Black Sea enroute to Chornomorsk sea port in Ukraine. As a result of the impact, a fire broke out on the ship, with reports that one (1) crewmember has been killed. The Master reported that all other crew members are safe and vessel has been evacuated. Further damage assessments are ongoing and there is no risk of pollution.

A third Liberian flagged bulk carrier vessel was struck on 15 July, likely by unmanned aerial drone while in the special maritime corridor in the Black Sea while in transit to the Pivdennyi sea port in Ukraine. The impact caused damage to the vessel superstructure, deteriorating the crew’s ability to control the vessel from the bridge. The engine room remained in good condition and the crew was able to pilot the vessel from the engine room. A fire was observed onboard but is presumed extinguished. The Master reported that there were no injuries to crew members, and the vessel was able to proceed to their assigned berth to commence loading operations.

A fourth Liberian flagged bulk carrier was struck on 15 July by an unknown military weapon, likely an unmanned aerial drone while moored at the Pivdennyi sea port in Ukraine. The impact was to the aft portion of the vessel’s superstructure and starboard side which sustained some damage. A fire broke out because of the attack and was extinguished by the crew onboard and assisted by the port’s fire brigade. No injuries to crew members were reported and there is no risk of pollution.

A fifth Liberian flagged tanker vessel was struck on 17 July by two separate unmanned aerial drone attacks while drifting approximately six (6) nautical miles off Novorossiysk awaiting inbound

clearance. Initial damage assessments are ongoing and a small fire was extinguished but the master reports no crew member injuries and all machinery is still operable. No current risk of pollution.

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, which 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 Maritime Safety Information (MSI) 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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