Ambrey data confirms 40 Black Sea seafarer deaths

The Black Sea recorded at least 40 seafarer deaths in 2026, a total that exceeds the 24 fatalities confirmed in the Strait of Hormuz. The Financial Times reported that the region has become the most dangerous body of water for maritime workers this year, citing data from shipowners and maritime organizations.

Ambrey, a maritime security firm, and the International Maritime Organisation indicate that more than 570 ships have been targeted in the Black Sea since the beginning of the year. Crews on oil tankers, cargo ships, and grain carriers face frequent drone attacks in waters near EU and NATO territory. Some estimates suggest the frequency of these attacks is more than six times higher than in the Gulf.

Ambrey data shows that the third quarter of 2026 averaged more than four attacks per day. While some vessels were caught in crossfire during port bombardments, others were deliberately struck. Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu stated that Russia is converting the Black Sea into a danger zone for civilian vessels.

Industry leaders describe the operational risk as severe. Oleh Hryhoriuk, chair of the Marine Transport Workers' Trade Union of Ukraine, said, "For me, the Black Sea and calling [at] Ukrainian ports is near suicidal." Economic factors are influencing routing decisions, with record-high freight rates pushing some companies to accept Middle Eastern oil risks.

Shipping groups report that most operators are reluctant to dispatch fleets to the Black Sea. They cite lower profit margins and higher trading risks compared to other routes. The disparity in death tolls has drawn attention to a region that has received less global focus than the Gulf, despite its rising casualty count.