Priority Broadcast Alert – Europe and the Mediterranean

A Panama-flagged container vessel was reportedly damaged during a missile attack conducted by Russian forces at the port of Odesa, Ukraine. Air raid sirens were activated at 15:44 UTC with explosions reported in the port at 15:52 UTC. Ambrey observed uncorroborated images of smoke allegedly emanating from the port. A Ukrainian official stated “the attack damaged port infrastructure and a civilian vessel under the flag of the Republic of Panama, owned by a European company”. The official added that “all relevant services are working to eliminate the consequences, and doctors are providing necessary assistance to the victims”. According to pro-Ukrainian social media outlets, “a fire broke out on the ship”. Local media claimed that container vessel had arrived earlier in the day and two individuals, both port employees, were reportedly injured during the attack. Based on AIS data, no merchant vessels were in the port of Odesa at the time of the incident. However, Ambrey is aware that merchant vessels had been withholding their AIS signal when calling at Ukrainian ports and transiting its waters. Ambrey assessed the incident as ongoing and will follow with all relevant details.
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.