Ukraine: Tanker attacked by maritime drone in Kerch Strait Aug. 5

Event

Russian authorities have stated that a tanker was damaged in a maritime drone attack in the Kerch Strait early Aug. 5. The engine room and bridge of the tanker SIG were damaged during the attack, which also caused a breach. The vessel remains afloat, and none of the 11 crew were injured. SIG has reportedly been used to deliver petroleum products to a Russian naval base in Syria. The incident took place near the strategically important Kerch Bridge, linking Russia to the Crimean Peninsula; no damage to the bridge was reported. All vehicle traffic over the bridge has been suspended, as has all maritime traffic in the Kerch Strait.

Disruptions to shipping in the Kerch Strait are almost certain in the immediate term. The incident follows a day after a maritime drone seriously damaged a Russian warship at the port of Novorossiysk; several other maritime drone attacks have been reported in recent weeks, including one targeting the Kerch Bridge. Insurers and shipowners may reconsider calling Russian ports following these incidents, causing shipping disruptions over the medium-to-long term.

Advice

Exercise caution and reconfirm routes with maritime authorities and insurers if transiting or shipping freight through the Black Sea in the coming days.