Priority Broadcast Alert – Europe and the Mediterranean

Ukrainian forces launched an attack involving Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) on the port city of Sevastopol in Russian-occupied Crimea. Two UAVs were reportedly intercepted at high altitude over the Black Sea. Subsequently, further reports indicated the interception of USVs in the Black Sea. Russian force-affiliated media stated that multiple explosions were audible throughout the city as the Russian navy and air force repelled the attack. Ambrey observed uncorroborated imagery of an explosion in the Black Sea, reportedly caused by the interception of a USV. According to the Russian Ministry of Defence, a total of 17 UAVs were intercepted over Crimea overnight. No damage to merchant vessels or port infrastructure was reported. At the time of writing, AIS data indicated no merchant vessels were present in the area; however, Ambrey noted that vessels have been withholding their AIS signals when calling at Russian-occupied Ukrainian ports. On several occasions, disabled USVs have washed ashore along the Black Sea following these attacks. These craft are known to carry payloads of up to 300 kg, and a merchant vessel striking a disabled USV could suffer catastrophic hull damage.

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 USV and UAV attacks on infrastructure. The SMP should be located above the waterline, amidships, and low-down in the superstructure.