Black Sea kills more sailors than the Gulf this year

The Black Sea has become the deadliest body of water for commercial sailors in 2026. The region now records more fatalities than the Gulf, a shift that maritime experts say reflects a growing concentration of drone warfare near EU and NATO borders.

Data from the International Maritime Organisation and security firm Ambrey reveals that 570 ships were targeted in the Black Sea this year. At least 40 seafarers have been killed in these incidents. In contrast, 24 deaths have been confirmed in the Strait of Hormuz. Some analysts estimate the frequency of attacks in the Black Sea is more than six times higher than in the Gulf.

The violence affects oil tankers, cargo ships, and grain carriers. While some vessels were struck during bombardments of nearby ports, others faced deliberate targeting. Ambrey reported that the third quarter of 2026 saw an average of more than four attacks per day. This surge in activity has forced a reassessment of risk by industry leaders.

Oleh Hryhoriuk, chair of Ukraine's Marine Transport Workers' Trade Union, described the current conditions as near suicidal for crews calling at Ukrainian ports. The danger has split the shipping industry. Record high freight rates have pushed some firms to accept the risks of Middle East routes. In the Black Sea, however, most operators remain hesitant to deploy fleets because profit margins are lower and the threat level is considerably higher.

Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu accused Russia of turning the Black Sea into a danger zone for civilian vessels. The rising toll has made the region the primary focus of maritime safety concerns, outpacing the attention previously given to the Gulf.