Marine Security Bulletin: 29/2026 - Multiple Attacks in the Black Sea

Dear Shipowners, Operators and Masters

Subject: Multiple Attacks in the Black Sea

In the past 7 days, there have been multiple attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea. The regional maritime security threat remains high.

A Liberian flagged container vessel was struck by four drones on 18-19 August in position 44° 30’N 037° 48.1’E while sailing in the Black Sea. The impacts caused damage to communications equipment. A second Liberian flagged vessel was able to acquire the container vessel visually and communicate via VHF radio. Master reported drone attacks caused damage to stern mast with radar aerials and GMDSS, superstructure, freefall lifeboat and compartments inside. Some containers were damaged by UAV fragments. No crew members were reported injured, no risk of pollution and vessel is underway towards shipyard for repairs. Chart plotter and GPS in working condition and vessel is able to navigate safely.

A second Liberian flagged bulk carrier was struck on 19 August by unmanned aerial drones while vessel was moored at berth no.14/15 of the Chornomorsk sea port, Ukraine for loading operations. The attack struck the starboard side of the superstructure causing a fire to break out, which was extinguished by fire brigades of the State Emergency Service. No crew members were injured. No current risk of pollution.

A third Liberian flagged tanker vessel was struck on 22 August by an unidentified drone while sailing in the Black Sea in position 43° 50’N 038° 56’E. The master does not report any significant damage to the vessel or ship’s equipment. There are no injuries to crew members reported and no 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, 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. Vessel operators and Masters are recommended to reference IMO Circular Letter No. 5252 prior to finalizing voyage planning in the region and proceed with appropriate caution.

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