Priority Broadcast Alert – Europe and the Mediterranean

A Sierra Leone-flagged bulk carrier 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. According to a Ukrainian official, the attack struck port infrastructure and two merchant vessels. Ambrey previously reported the damage to a Panama-flagged container ship. Two civilian port workers sustained injuries as a result of the attack. At the time of writing, investigations were ongoing to assess the extent of the damage. The bulk carrier was reportedly laden with corn and soybeans for export. At the time of the incident, the vessel had been withholding its AIS signal, with its last recorded location in Romanian waters on 25 February. Ambrey is aware that merchant vessels had been withholding their AIS signal when calling 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 aerial attacks on infrastructure. The SMP should be located above the waterline, amidships, and low-down in the superstructure.