Priority Broadcast Alert – Europe and the Mediterranean

A merchant vessel was targeted by the Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) in the Sea of Azov. At the time of writing, no casualties had been reported. The vessel was one of 12 reportedly struck by the USF during the night of 9 July into 10 July. Since 7 July, a total of 48 Russian-affiliated merchant vessels had reportedly been targeted by the USF. The attacks followed an open letter from the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine stating that Russian “shadow fleet” vessels should be regarded as “legitimate targets”.
ADVICE: Vessels conducting Black Sea and Sea of Azov 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.