Bulgaria



2023-04-13RISK OF COLLATERAL DAMAGE IN THE NORTH WESTERN, WESTERN, AND SOUTHWEST BLACK SEA

Drifting mines have been detected and deactivated in the Western Black Sea by coastal nation's authorities. The latest statement of regional authorities, confirming another sighting of a mine, connected to the conflict in Ukraine, shows the threat of drifting mines in the Southwest part of the Black Sea still exists. An additional stray mine was detected and neutralized by coastal nation's authorities on the 28th of February 2023 in the Southwestern part of the Black Sea. National authorities stated that the searches for mine-like objects are ongoing. The threat of more drifting mines cannot be ruled out. Any sightings of mine-like objects should be reported to coastal authorities and shipping should remain well clear of the hazard. Masters are strongly advised to take all precautions to mitigate the threat including avoiding floating objects, keep the forward area of the ship clear of crew, and using effective look-outs. Merchant vessels are also reminded to monitor the local authorities' broadcasts for the latest Navigational Warnings.

     National Coastal Warnings have been broadcast, recommending the safe routes for shipping in the Western Black Sea (ref. Coastal Warning NW 18/29.03.2022. BLACK SEA. ROMANIA). Shipping is advised to use these routes and stay in contact with relevant authorities.

     In addition, appropriate countermeasures, as described in "ATP-02.1 - Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS) Manual", which can be downloaded from the Black Sea Maritime Coordination Element webpage (https://bsmce-navy.armf.bg/en/info1_en.php), are advised. 

     The threat of collateral damage or direct hits on civilian shipping in the War Risk Area (NAVAREA III 0124/2022) of the Black Sea area remains HIGH. The threat of GPS jamming, AIS spoofing, communications jamming, electronic interference and cyber-attacks in the area are also considered HIGH. Harassment and diversion of shipping in the area cannot be excluded.

     The latest list of NAVWARNS in force are accessible in detail on the link: NAVAREA III warnings in force (defensa.gob.es). NAVAREA COORDINATOR III Contact Information: Address: Director del Instituto Hidrográfico de la Marina Instituto Hidrográfico de la Marina Plaza San Severiano, 3 11007 Cádiz Spain Contact details: NAVAREA III Coordinator: Head of Navigational Section Tel: / +34 956 59 93 99 / +34 956 59 94 09 avisosihm@fn.mde.esihmesp@fn.mde.es.

     Vessels are recommended to ensure automatic identification system (AIS) is always transmitting (except when the master believes AIS operation might compromise the safety or security of the ship), consistent with provisions of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), and monitor VHF Channel 16. It is recommended to continue to transmit your AIS signal throughout the Black Sea, containing basic identification information as a minimum.

     PLEASE REPORT ANY INCIDENT OR NOTICED SUSPICIOUS FLOATING OBJECT TO THE "BLACK SEA MARITIME COORDINATION ELEMENT", PART OF THE BULGARIAN NAVY, BY EMAIL TO:  <bsmce_navy_bg@armf.bg> , BY PHONE TO TEL:/ +35952552950, OR BY FAX:/ +35952552958.

NOTE: Above mentioned information is based on Word-wide Navigational Warning Service (WWNWS) broadcastings.

REMEMBER, SAFETY FIRST! Always use proper and approved navigational aids and instruments.

 

Source: NATO SHIPPING CENTRE 2023, RISK OF COLLATERAL DAMAGE IN THE NORTH WESTERN, WESTERN, AND SOUTHWEST BLACK SEA, published on 28 February 2023, https://shipping.nato.int/nsc/operations/news/-2022/risk-of-collateral-damage-in-the-north-western-black-sea-2



2023-02-16A historical sea mine was neutralized by the Bulgarian Navy

     On February 15, 2023, during the sea phase training of the bulgarian Navy minehunter with a hull number 32, an underwater object, resembling a sea mine, was discovered at a point with coordinates: Lat=43°05.32'N, Long=027°58.02'E. After investigation by divers from the Bulgarian Navy, the object was classified as a historical sea mine, located on the seabed.

     At 5:55 pm on February 16, 2023, a diver-demolition group from the Bulgarian Naval Forces destroyed the mine.



2023-01-23A FLOATING SEA MINE WAS NEUTRALIZED BY THE BULGARIAN NAVY

     A signal about a floating object, resembling a sea mine, was received at the Bulgarian Naval Headquarters on January 23, 2023, from the regional governor of District Dobrich. At around 11:30 am, the mine was spotted 200 meters away from the shore opposite the village of Tyulenovo.

     After the conducted calculations, based on wind speed and sea currents, by experts at the Naval Headquarters, the standby helicopter "Panther" from the maritime helicopter airbase "Chayka" was activated to further investigate. At 2:50 pm, the helicopter crew located the mine, transmitted the coordinates, and remained in the area. Meanwhile a navigational warning (NAVWARN) was issued to warn seafarers about the threat.

     The high-speed fast patrol boat with a hull number 213, with military personnel from the formation for reconnaissance and disposal of unexploded ordnance, led by Lieutenant Commander Iliya Stoychev, made the transit to the location. The military specialists classified the mine as a moored mine, type "Yam", brought into a combat position.

     At 4:45 pm, the mine was destroyed by a controlled explosion carried out by the group of diver-demolition experts (Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team).

    The Bulgarian Naval Forces maintain readiness for surveillance and mine countermeasures in order to ensure safe navigation in the Bulgarian  maritime area of responsibility (AOR).



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