Black Sea: Drone Strikes on Moored Ships and What Liberia's Bulletin Requires

What The Bulletin Reports

A Liberian-flagged bulk carrier was struck on 29 September and again on 2 October 2026 by multiple unmanned aerial vehicles while moored at the port of Chornomorsk, Ukraine. The attacks damaged the starboard aft side of the navigation bridge structure and the port-side accommodation. A small fire broke out after impact and was quickly put out by the crew. The Master reported that one crew member was killed and three others injured. Damage assessments were still under way when the bulletin was issued.

This follows earlier bulletins in July 2026 (Marine Security Bulletins 18 and 19) recording attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea, including ships alongside in Mykolaiv. The pattern is not a one-off.

What Liberia Requires

• Liberian-flagged vessels are to operate at security level 2 while transiting the affected area and at security level 3 in Ukrainian ports, in accordance with MSA 10/2022, and to implement all protective measures in the Ship Security Plan.
• Vessels at other ports in the area must act on the security level set by the port's Designated Authority.
• Operators and masters must make sure planned operations do not expose the ship to ongoing military operations.
• Vessels should expect GPS interference, AIS spoofing and communications jamming.
• Keep AIS on, except where the Master believes it would compromise the safety or security of the ship or a security incident is imminent. State intentions on VHF and monitor Channel 16.
• Any vessel challenged by military vessels must comply fully with instructions.

Recommendations

• Obtain relevant NAVAREA III warnings and contact local port authorities and agents for additional information.
• Monitor NAVTEX, maintain a proper lookout for suspicious drifting objects and report them immediately with position, direction, and wind and current.
• Liaise closely with port agents and P&I correspondents on facility conditions, dangerous sea areas, temporary port closures and navigational restrictions.
• Reference IMO Circular Letter No. 5252 before finalising voyage planning in the region.
• Complete a risk assessment before entering the Black Sea area.
• In the event of any incident or suspicious activity, activate the Ship Security Alert System and notify the Liberian Security Department.

What This Means For Crews

Most of the guidance above is for the Company and the Master, but the practical effects land on the whole crew. Two are worth stating plainly. First, a ship alongside is not safer than a ship under way: both strikes hit a moored vessel, so shore-side port facility security levels cannot be assumed to cover the ship. Second, the accommodation and bridge were the areas hit, so where people sleep and where they muster during an alert is a real safety decision, not a formality. If your ship trades in or near the area, ask your CSO what the drill for an air attack alongside is, where the safest muster point is, and who decides to leave the berth.

If you have concerns about being asked to sail into a risk area, your rights and the support available are covered in our guide on seafarer security risks in high-risk areas.

Also This Week: Red Sea High-Risk Area Limit

Separately, Cyprus has issued Circular 21/2026, which temporarily alters the northern limit in the Red Sea of the East Africa and Northwest Indian Ocean High-risk area, with an accompanying order under the Protection of Cyprus Ships Against Acts of Piracy and other Unlawful Acts Law (Law 77(I) of 2012). We were not able to retrieve the circular text for this article, so we are not quoting the revised limit. Check the circular itself, and the arrangements of your flag state, before planning Red Sea transits.

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Related Reading

• Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea 2026: Security Risks for Seafarers
• Modern Piracy and High-Risk Areas: What Crew Need to Know in 2026
• Security Watch: Black Sea, August 2026
• MGN 719: When GNSS Fails