Western Black Sea: Heightened risk of naval mines in western Black Sea through at least mid-April /update 1

Event

A heightened risk of naval mines will continue in the western Black Sea through at least mid-April amid ongoing hostilities between Russia and Ukraine. Security forces from littoral nations have reported and neutralized at least three mines as of late March. Turkish forces defused one naval mine northwest of Istanbul March 26 and another near Igneada bordering Bulgaria March 28, while Romanian forces neutralized a mine off Cape Midia March 28. Turkish authorities also temporarily closed the Bosphorus strait to large vessels March 26.

Shipping disruptions are probable as security forces respond to any possible mines within their respective territorial waters in the coming weeks. A similar risk exists in the Sea of Azov and along Russia's Black Sea coast; however, fewer vessels are operating in the area due to the existing war risk and international sanctions.

Context

The incidents followed a Russian intelligence warning March 19, claiming around 420 Ukrainian naval mines had come loose following a storm in the Black Sea. The report also said that the mines would likely drift southwards toward the Bosphorus. The Turkish Samsun NAVTEX station subsequently issued a warning to seafarers regarding the risk of mines, while other nations have warned their merchant fleets to avoid the area. The Turkish military has stated that the origin of the mines is unclear, though coordination was ongoing with Russia and Ukraine regarding the recent incidents.

Advice

Exercise caution and maintain an increase level of vigilance if transiting through the Black Sea in the coming weeks. Reconfirm shipping and freight routes with maritime authorities and keep abreast with regional developments affecting maritime operations.