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In August 2026, the risk profile for the dry bulk fleet in the northeastern Black Sea fundamentally shifted.

The region has seen a transition from zero statistical incidents to deliberate, targeted strikes on dry cargo vessels at the outer anchorages of Novorossiysk and Tuapse ports.

These mark the first such attacks in the 4.5 years of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Additionally, several vessels were attacked in international waters on approach to these ports or while underway.

Footage of the attacks released by Ukrainian forces can be viewed at the following link:

https://www.turkiyetoday.com/world/ukraine-says-drones-have-hit-218-shadow-fleet-ships-since-july-6-3225638

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Over the past week, 4-10 August, no incident of piracy or armed robbery against ships in Asia.

Area of concern

An advises ships shall to continue to intensify vigilance, maintain a sharp look-out while anchoring or transiting areas of concern, including the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, and report all incidents to the law enforcement agencies immediately. The littoral States are advised to increase patrols and enforcement in these areas.

Situation update

For the 6th consecutive year, there has been no report of incident of abduction of crew in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off Eastern Sabah. The last incident occurred on 17 Jan 2020.

In January 2025, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), coordinated with other stakeholders and counterparts further downgraded the threat level of ‘Abduction of crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas’ to ‘LOW’, meaning ‘No information or monitored activities suggest an impending attack; hence incidents are not expected to occur’.

In its Advisory on 14 Feb 2025 advised ships to “exercise vigilance when transiting the Sulu-Celebes Seas and report incidents to the Operation Centres of the Philippines and Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM)”.

Recommendations

Ship masters and crew are to report all incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships to the nearest coastal State and flag State, referring to the Poster on the Contact Details for Reporting of Incidents of Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia, exercise vigilance and adopt appropriate preventive measures taking reference from the Regional Guide 2 to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia.

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Two separate maritime security incidents on August 5 involving tankers operating off Yemen and in the Strait of Hormuz. 

A tanker operating approximately 95 nautical miles southeast of Aden, Yemen, reported hearing a loud explosion in close proximity to the vessel, according to the ship’s master. All crew were accounted for and safe, and no environmental impact was reported.

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Below you will find a weekly report dated 5 August 2026, covering the period of 30 July to 5 August, where the following incidents were reported:

  • 0 maritime security incidents in West Africa in the last 7 days
  • 6 maritime security incidents in the Indian Ocean/Middle East in the last 7 days
  • 0 Somalia-based piracy incidents reported in the last 7 days.

Full advisory at the following link.

https://britanniapandi.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/ARC-Weekly-Report-05.08.26.pdf