Maritime Security Report: 27th July - 2nd August 2026
- Palaemon Intelligence Team
- Aug 3
- 5 min read
This week saw twenty incidents globally, including in: Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Oman, Mediterranean Sea, Port of Antwerp, Red Sea, Sea of Azov, and Strait of Hormuz.
Download the full report here:
Major Incidents Include:
EUROPE AND MEDITERRANEAN SEA:
Multiple Vessel Collisions and Drone Activity: Collisions between multiple vessels have been reported both in Belgium and Sweden, raising concerns regarding smallboat traffic. No major security risks but authorities investigating lack of communication. Reports of drone strikes in Damietta Port, Egypt striking US-owned vessels has raised concerns .
BLACK SEA AND TURKIYE:
Large-Scale Port & Tanker Strikes: Both Ukrainian and Russian UAV-based strikes on ports and tanker vessels in the Black Sea, culminating in major Russian container-ship being sunk due to war activity. Multiple Trade Routes Affected by Grounded Vessels: 2 vessels refloated after running aground in Turkish Straits, requiring aid from Turkish tug boats both times. Trade traffic may have been affected due to halting of voyages due to rescue operations.
CARIBBEAN SEA:
Petty Theft Activity Along Coast of Caribbean Nations: Theft reported in the Caribbean Sea, focused specifically on fuel jugs. Activity underscores the recent shifts in price and demand of fuel. Opportunistic crime with minimal major security risks.
STRAIT OF HORMUZ AND RED SEA:
Ongoing Conflict and Projectile Activity: US continues its strikes on Iranian targets along the Strait of Hormuz while multiple unknown projectiles have caused damage and distress to vessels off the coast of Oman. Houthi-based attack on vessel in the Red Sea all contribute to continued high risk warning.
STRAIT OF HORMUZ
NEAR MISS/ 2nd AUGUST
A tanker reported hearing an explosion in close proximity of the vessel, 20NM northeast of Khasab, Oman. The vessel and crew are all reported safe.
NEAR MISS/ 31st JULY
A large splash and explosion was reported near tanker in Strait of Hormuz, 21NM north east of Khasab, Oman. No damage to vessels or persons reported, unknown projectile the cause.
PROJECTILE ATTACK/ 31st JULY
Tanker 11NM north east off coast of Limah, Oman struck by unknown projectile. Major damage to propulsion systems and engine room reported with fire emanating from boilers. No injuries or casualties reported.
AIRSTRIKE/ 29th JULY
United States launched airstrikes on IRGC infrastructure in Port of Sirik, Iran in response to Iranian strikes on US forces. Explosions reported within port but no damage to merchant vessels found.
EUROPE
DRONE STRIKE/ 1st AUGUST
Ukrainian coordinated drone strikes on Russian-flagged container ship Yanina 113NM from Novorossiysk, Russia. Major damage reported and ship sank due to impact. Casualties and injuries unknown, expected to be significant.
VESSEL REFLOATED/ 31st JULY
Sao Tome and Principe-flagged bulk carrier Haci Huseyin ran aground in Istanbul Strait after suffering engine failure. Vessel was refloated by aid of 2 Turkish tugboats with no damage or pollution reported. Istanbul Strait traffic temporarily halted.
DRONE STRIKE/ 30th JULY
2 motor tankers, the Marshall Islands-flagged Nissos Sifnos and Isle of Man-flagged Marathi, carrying crude oil, were struck by UAVs in Novorossiysk, Russia. Fires broke out but were extinguished, no injuries reported, oil-loading operations at CPC marine terminal halted.
DRONE STRIKE/ 30th JULY
Panama-flagged general cargo vessel Ata 2 was struck by Russian UAVs 8.1NM Southeast from Sulina. Romania in the Black Sea. Russia claimed UAV targets were military airfields yet, vessel was damaged extensively. No injuries or casualties reported.
UAV ATTACK/ 28th JULY
Russian UAVs struck dry cargo ship off east coast of Odessa, Ukraine. No reported casualties or pollution, extent of damages under investigation.
VESSEL COLLISION/ 28th JULY
Norwegian-flagged cargo vessel Misje Verde (5,300 dwt) collided with small pleasure boat off coast of Sweden, in the Kattegat. 2 reported injuries and 2 casualties, all passengers aboard pleasure boat. Swedish authorities investigating, Norwegian captain detained.
VESSEL COLLISION/ 28th JULY
Liberian-flagged LNG tanker Coral Fungia collided with Dutch inland vessel Blue on Scheldt River in Antwerp, Belgium. Both ships sustained damages with Blue moved to dock for repairs, Coral Fungia granted permission to continue voyage. No injuries reported, circumstances leading to incident under investigation.
UAV STRIKE/ 28th JULY
Liberian-flagged bulk carrier was struck by Russian UAVs 5.9NM from Port of Odessa, Ukraine. No cargo or crew reported onboard and no injuries or casualties reported.
UAV AND MISSILE STRIKE/ 27th JULY
Russian combined UAV and missile strike on Port of Chornomorsk, Ukraine. No casualties or injuries reported. No damage to merchant vessels reported, advised to remain on alert.
UAV STRIKE/ 27th JULY
Russian UAVs struck 3 Ukrainian berthed cargo ships at Mykolaiv Port, Ukraine. 1 reported casualty and multiple injuries.
RED SEA
MISSILE STRIKE / 28th JULY
An attempted missile attack by Houthi rebels on a Saudi Arabian-flagged tanker has slowed traffic through Bab el-Mandeb. While no damage was reported due to missile having missed target, commercial traffic now at lowest in months.
SEA OF AZOV
MOBILE FIRE GROUPS / 28th JULY
Sources have indicated that the Russian transport authorities are considering launching armed guard detachments to board grain vessels departing from ports within the Sea of Azov. These detachments would be armed with machine guns and mounts for temporary shipboard installation; and would be operating within the Kerch Strait. Further, the same authorities are considering passive defenses such as cables and mesh nets to catch and detonate drones before their intended target.
MEDITERRANEAN SEA
ATTACK/ 29th JULY
Report of merchant vessel attacked in Mediterranean Sea. No further reported information.
CARIBBEAN SEA
PETTY THEFT/ 28th JULY
Theft of fuel jugs from commercial vessel off the coast of Colombia. No injuries reported and no further information available
Operational Guidance
Operators should:
Watch for Air & Sea Projectiles: Maintain sharp lookouts for long-range UAVs and projectiles across the Black Sea, Sea of Azov, and Strait of Hormuz.
Comply with Active Warnings: Maintain high vigilance in high-risk zones such as the Strait of Hormuz and Black Sea. Comply with active warnings and report incidents accordingly.
Mitigate Global Port and Voyage Risks: Enforce anti-boarding watches and ensure onboard security details are at peak readiness in high-risk zones.
Maintain Communication Channels: Ensure all communication systems are functional while in high-traffic zones.
Monitor Urgent Military Broadcasts: Maintain constant watch on VHF Channel 16 for sudden navigation bans, and track emergency UKMTO, and MSCIO updates.
Threat Outlook
Region | Threat Level | Assessment |
Caribbean Sea | Low | Low-level piracy threats are a possibility in these waters. |
Caspian Sea | High | Frequent Ukrainian strikes targeting energy infrastructure, and military cargo shipments between Russia and Iran. |
Europe | Very High | Risks in the Black Sea have peaked again, as both Russia and Ukraine launch large scale, region-wide, strikes. All commercial shipping is a target for subsea, surface and aerial drones, including in coastal areas. |
Gulf of Guinea | Low | Low-level piracy threats are a constant element in this area. |
Red Sea | High | The Houthis have officially entered the Iran conflict, announcing a blockade of the Red Sea and striking multiple tankers, along with Jazan Aramco facilities, over the course of a few days. |
Strait of Hormuz | Very High | The Hormuz conflict has entered new escalations as military exchanges between the US and Iran have reached new heights. Meanwhile, the blockade enforcement by both parties has transitioned to kinetic strikes. |
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