Priority Broadcast Alert – Europe and the Mediterranean

Russian forces conducted an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) attack on the port of Chornomorsk, Odesa Oblast, Ukraine. Air raid sirens for Odesa Oblast were activated at 08:56 UTC on 27 July and remained in place until 10:22 UTC. The attack reportedly consisted of ten “Shahed-136” type UAVs, which approached from the Black Sea. Video footage and satellite data showed that at least one UAV landed and exploded in the vicinity of the fishing port, resulting in a fire. In addition, one UAV was intercepted by Ukrainian air defences over the water and landed in the sea. At the time of writing, no casualties or damage to merchant vessels had been reported. Based on AIS data, no merchant vessels were detected in the port during the attack; however, Ambrey is aware that merchant vessels had been withholding their AIS signal when calling Ukrainian ports and transiting its waters.

ADVICE: Vessels conducting Black Sea port calls are advised to conduct comprehensive dynamic voyage threat assessments. The crew is advised to remain within the designated Safe Muster Point (SMP) during UAV attacks on infrastructure. The SMP should be located above the waterline, amidships, and low-down in the superstructure.