Bulgaria



2023-04-24THE BULGARIAN NAVAL FORCES RESPONDED TO A SIGNAL ABOUT A FLOATING MINELIKE OBJECT

On April 24, 2023, around 1:15 PM, a floating object, resembling a sea mine, was spotted approximately 700 meters off the coast near the area of "Dulboka" by the village of Bulgarevo.

     At 2:40 PM on the same day, the Regional Governor of District Dobrich requested assistance for the disposal (destruction) of an unexploded ordnance with a positive resolution from the Chief of Defense of Bulgaria.

     A designated crew was dispatched on board a Zodiac boat from a Bulgarian Navy vessel that was carrying out training at sea to conduct reconnaissance of the floating object.

     Upon investigation, it was determined that the floating object was a plastic tube, covered in mussels and did not pose any mine danger or a navigation hazard.

The Bulgarian Navy continues to maintain readiness for surveying and counter-mining operations to ensure safe navigation in the Bulgarian waters.

 



2023-04-17THE BULGARIAN NAVY RESPONDED TO A SIGNAL ABOUT A FLOATING OBJECT, RESEMBLING A SEA MINE

     At 12:10 hours on April 16, 2023 (Easter Sunday), the Bulgarian Naval Forces received a signal from the bulgarian Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre about an object similar to a mine. The object was spotted 400 meters from the shore north of the estuary of the Kamchia river by a citizen who reported it to the single emergency number 112.

     By the orders of the Commander of the Bulgarian Naval Forces, Rear Admiral Kiril Mikhailov, the duty helicopter "Panther" from the Naval Helicopter Airbase "Chaika" and the motorboat "Vasil Levski" were deployed to conduct further surveillance. A navigational warning (NAVWARN) was broadcast to seafarers to inform about the threat in the area.

     At 15:11 hours, the helicopter crew identified the object as a moored plastic tube (usually used to mark the start and end of a fishing net). The NAVWARN was cancelled and normal navigation in the area was resumed.

    The Naval Forces maintain readiness for survey and mine countermeasures to ensure the free navigation in Bulgarian maritime spaces.



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.es; ihmesp@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


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