Priority Broadcast Alert – Europe and the Mediterranean

Russian forces launched an attack in the area of Zatoka, Ukraine. According to Russian-affiliated media, an Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) was deployed against an oil depot at the Ukrainian Naval base. An explosion and a fire were reported at 03:30 UTC in the area. Ambrey observed uncorroborated video footage showing a large column of black smoke rising from the area. Ambrey assessed that this incident marked the first instance of Russian forces deploying a USV in a direct attack on maritime infrastructure. At the time of the incident, no merchant vessels were present in the Gulf of Odessa. However, Ambrey is aware that vessels in Ukrainian waters have been withholding their AIS signals. 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.