Message for U.S. Citizens – Drifting Mines in the Black Sea

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:

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)
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