Priority Broadcast Alert – Europe and the Mediterranean

Russian forces conducted a combined ballistic missile and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) attack on the port of Chornomorsk, Ukraine. The Russian Ministry of Defence stated the port was targeted for its use in unloading and storing military cargo intended to supply the Ukrainian Armed Forces. In addition, a firefighting vessel was targeted during the attack. Air raid sirens for the Odesa Oblast were first activated at 01:53 UTC and lasted until 02:33 UTC on 17 July. At the time of writing, the full extent of the damage to port infrastructure had not been publicly reported. Ambrey notes that regional authorities may limit damage reporting due to operational security considerations.

ADVICE: Vessels conducting Black Sea port calls are advised to conduct comprehensive dynamic voyage threat assessments. Crew are 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.