The Ukrainian armed forces made a post on social media claiming that the Romanian-flagged bunkering vessel Millenium Spirit was hit off Odessa by a Russian ship.
At this point information is still being confirmed, with the Ukrainian armed forces noting that there has been no communication with the vessel, providing no further details.
Earlier, regarding another incident, RIA Novosti had quoted a message from the border service stating that at 11:00hrs UTC 24 February 22, in the Sea of Azov, 21nm South of Mariupol, Russian civilian cargo ships SGV-FLOT and SERAPHIM SAROVSKIY were subjected to a missile attack by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
However, Dryad notes that details regarding the events surrounding these vessels remain unclear.
Currently, all commercial operations at Ukrainian Sea ports have been suspended by order of the Ukrainian military. There have also been unconfirmed reports of Russian vessels blocking access to Ukrainian waters at the Northern edge of the Romanian EEZ.
Any vessel currently within Ukrainian Ports should seek to leave immediately if deemed safe to do so. Vessels should ensure they are broadcasting on AIS and clearly state their intentions across VHF. Any vessels challenged by Russian military vessels should comply fully with instructions.
At this time, Dryad Global advices all commercial operators to avoid any transit or operation within the EEZ of Ukraine or Russia within the Black Sea. Commercial operations within the EEZ of Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania remain unaffected at this time.
As the situation develops there remains a high degree of uncertainty regarding the freedom of navigation throughout the wider Black Sea. As such the primary risk to all vessels and commercial operations operating beyond the key risk area remains one of commercial uncertainty rather than risk to safety of crew.
Vessels and commercial operators are reminded to avoid all operations and transit within the EEZ of Russia and Ukraine at this time. No attempt should be made to access the Sea of Azov.