Sea Mines - Black Sea

The Club wishes to bring to the attention of Members updated security intelligence concerning drifting sea mines in the Black Sea, this follows recent incidents where a sea mine washed up on the beach at the Capu Midia Training Range in Romania on 28th January 2026.

Romanian soldiers identified a sea mine that had drifted ashore in front of the Midia shooting range. Romanian authorities, including an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, had secured the area and were working to identify and 'neutralize' the discovered mine. This was the second Unexploded Ordnance discovered within 48 hours off of the coast of Midia. This discovery highlights the ongoing threat of unexploded ordnance, likely carried into Romanian waters by Black Sea currents from Ukrainian waters.

This incident reflects a broader and continuing regional threat. U.S. and allied reconnaissance aircraft have detected many floating mines in the Black Sea since 2022. These mines have been observed drifting far from their original deployment areas due to prevailing currents, and have washed ashore at various locations, including recent detonations conducted by Romanian authorities.

Ambrey & Regional Security Advice

Members are reminded that the risk from naval mines has proven persistent and is expected to continue therefore vessels calling at or transiting through the Black Sea are strongly advised to:

• Conduct comprehensive and dynamic voyage threat assessments prior to entry.
• Avoid sailing during low visibility conditions when drifting objects are harder to identify, particularly in the northern Black Sea.
• Post enhanced visual lookouts trained to identify suspicious floating hazards.
• Ensure that bridge teams are familiar with explosive ordnance identification materials provided by maritime security companies.

Members are reminded of the Club’s previously issued advisories relating to drifting mines and regional navigational threats. These earlier warnings remain valid and should be considered alongside this updated security note.