Priority Broadcast Alert – Europe and the Mediterranean

UPDATE01 AND CORRECTION: Ambrey confirmed that the port of Odesa had been struck. The President of Ukraine issued a statement stating that during the attack “the port area was also hit.” Ambrey observed footage of the attack taken by a Turkish-speaking crew member aboard a vessel berthed in the port. In the footage, a bulk carrier could be seen berthed alongside a grain elevator. Anti-aircraft fire was observed directly above the bulk carrier. Ambrey also observed uncorroborated footage of a large explosion that occurred in the port which was followed by secondary explosions. At the time of writing, Ukrainian authorities had not stated whether any merchant vessels had been damaged.

Russian forces launched an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and missile attack on the port city of Odesa, Ukraine. Ukrainian officials reported that air defence systems intercepted 26 out of 31 aerial targets. Multiple UAVs and one Kh-59/69 guided missile were reportedly downed over the city. Local authorities stated that the port had been targeted. Ambrey observed uncorroborated footage of a large explosion that occurred in the port and anti-aircraft gun fire in close proximity to the port. Russian-aligned social media channels claimed that an anti-aircraft gun in the port had been stuck. No damage to port infrastructure or merchant vessels was reported. Additionally, civilian infrastructure in the city was struck, causing fires, with eight individuals injured. Based on AIS data at the time of the incident, no merchant vessels were identified in the port of Odesa. Ambrey is aware that since early October, following the direct strikes by Russia on merchant vessels in Ukrainian ports, merchant vessels have begun to withhold their AIS while in Ukrainian waters and ports.
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.