Mar 26, 2022

Traffic in Bosphorus strait suspended due to possible floating mine

  • News
  • Turkey
  • Ukraine

Warning received from Turkish authorities, 26 March 2022:

Please note an unidentified object similar to a floating mine has been detected in the dry cargo vessels anchorage area at north of Bosphorus.

VTS centre is suggesting that vessels leave the area.

The traffic at Bosphorus Strait has been suspended for both ways as of 11:30 LT 26/03/22 due to this unidentified object.

Previous warning from Turkish authorities:

1. Mines were placed at ports of Odessa, Ochakov, Chernomorsk and Yuzhnyy,
2. It has been evaluated that the mines may break off from their equipment and become drifting mines and create a navigational hazard,
3. For this reason, it is important that all ships in the region and navigating to establish a keen lookout for drifting mines,
4. Detections of drifting mines/mine-like objects should be reported immediately to Turkish Radio (channel-16), Main Search and Rescue Coordination Center (00903122324783, SAR@UAB.GOV.TR/TRMRCC@UAB.GOV.TR ) to the Naval Forces Command (00903124032222), DENKOM.HAREKATMRK@DZKK.TSK.TR ) and Coast Guard Command (00903124164801, NOTICE@SG.GOV.TR )

Ukraine

  • As of 25/03/2021: Entrance / exit to the ports of Skadovsk, Mykolaiv, Olvia, Odessa, Pivdennyi are closed.
  • Izmail, Reni and Ust-Dunaisk are handling vessels going upwards via the Danube and Black Sea direction via Sulina canal.
  • Curfew time is from 20:00 to 06:00.
  • The north-western part of the Black Sea is blocked by the Russian Federation allegedly “for a counter-terrorist operation” and the area is closed for navigation by Ukraine.
  • It has been reported that some mines are drifting in the North Western Part of Black Sea.
  • ISS Odessa office is closed for safety of staff. For enquiries please contact our South Europe – Regional Operations Centre:  MEDNETOPS.PIRAEUS@ISS-SHIPPING.COM / +30 210 414 6600

Incidents

  1. On February 26, 2022, during the humanitarian mission in the area of Zmiiny Island, the rescue ship ” SAPPHIRE” was captured and detained by Russian warships. All crew alive. On March 09, 2022 the vessel started moving to Crimea under Russian convoy. 11.03 the vessel was found alongside in Sevastopol. 17 ukrainian crew / passengers are detained. On March 25, 2022 crew of “Sapphire” was released by exchanging for relevant quantity of captured Russian navy.
  2. On February 27, 2022 MV Afina (IMO 8029272) Flag Ukraine was captured by Russian Navy in the area of Zmiiny Island. – Vessel released.
  3. On February 27, 2022 MV Princess Nikol (IMO 8319392) Flag Ukraine was captured by Russian Navy in the area of Zmiiny Island.
  4. On March 01, 2022 reported that MV Helt (IMO 8402589) located at OPL area (abt 30 nm from Odessa, Chornomorsk, Pivdennyi) is contacted by Russian navy. At the moment no movement of the vessel. On 03.03 the vessel sank. No victims.
  5. On March 02, 2022 living accommodation of MV Banglar Samriddhi (IMO 9793832) at roads of Olvia (Nikolaev region) was damaged by Russian rocket. Reported 1 Bangladesh crew member died.
  6. On March 03, 2022 Ukrainian navy vessel Slavyansk was attacked by Russian aviation. Vessel sank, no news about crew.
  7. Ukrainian sources reported Russian navy Patrol boat “Vasiliy Bykov” was damaged by Ukrainian shore artillery on March 07, 2022. Still no comments from Russian side. 
  8. On March 15, 2022 5 foreign gen cargo and bulk vessels (Admiral IMO 8408648, Firat, IMO 8310384, Ghada A IMO 7126102, Princess Rawya IMO 9119907, Maori IMO: 9874208)  started moving from Berdyansk (is currently under Russian occupants army control) to the anchorage at of Kerch strait. Reported by one of shipping agents the vessels will be released and proceed with cargo delivery upon weather improvement.
  9. On March 24, 2022 Ukrainian navy reported large landing ship of Russian Federation “Orsk” was destroyed while alongside in Berdyansk. Russian navy ship “Saratov” got a critical damage and sank by crew, ships “Cesar Kunnikov” and “Novocherkassk” were damaged. Still no comments from Russian side. On March 25, 2022 Ukrainian navy reported a correction to above incident asf: Russian Federation “Saratov” was destroyed while in Berdyansk. ships “Cesar Kunnikov” and “Novocherkassk” were damaged.

On March 12,2022 several Russian navy vessels left Sevastopol and have unknown intentions. We can expect risks increase for vessels located at Ukrainian piers and anchorages next days.

Martial law is prolonged by Ukrainian Government until April, 25.
​​​​​​
​​​​​​CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE UKRAINE – RUSSIA PORT STATUS REPORT