Location: Black Sea, Bosporus Strait
Event: Drifting Mines in the Black Sea
NATO Shipping Centre and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) have advised that vessels should avoid entering or approaching the Sea of Azov, Ukrainian ports, or Ukrainian territorial waters in the northwestern Black Sea. Further, there is a risk of collateral damage in the northwestern, western, and southwestern Black Sea from the threat of drifting mines.
Since late February, there have been reports of naval mines in the water near Odesa, Ukraine. Media reports and Turkish government statements indicate that Turkish and Romanian authorities have neutralized potentially explosive mines drifting across the Black Sea.
Actions to Take:
- U.S. citizens sailing in this area are advised to consult the Department of State’s Travel Advisories at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/.
- U.S. citizens abroad should update their information via the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at: https://step.state.gov/.
- Monitor international and local media for updates.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy (Ankara, Turkey)
110 Ataturk Boulevard
Kavaklidere, 06100
Ankara, Turkey
Tel: +90-312-455-5555
Ankara-ACS@state.gov
https://tr.usembassy.gov/
U.S. Consulate General Istanbul
Poligon Mahallesi, Sariyer Caddesi No: 75
İstinye 34460 Sariyer- Istanbul / Turkey
Tel: +90-212-335-9000
ACS_Istanbul@state.gov
https://tr.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/Istanbul/
U.S. Consulate Adana
Girne Bulvari No:212 Guzelevler Mah.
Yuregir, Adana – TÜRKİYE
Tel: +90-322-455-4100
CA-Adana@state.gov
https://tr.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/Adana/
U.S. Consular Agency Izmir
Izmir@state.gov
State Department – Consular Affairs
+1 202-501-4444 (from overseas) or +1 888 407-4747 (from the United States)
Turkey’s Country Page
Turkey’s Travel Advisory
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts
Follow our main U.S. Embassy social media accounts: Twitter and Facebook.
