A high level of risk exists on approaches to and within Black Sea ports around Crimea, officials have told the UN agency responsible for international shipping.

Search and rescue services for the ports of Yevpatoria, Kerch, Sevastopol, Feodosia and Yalta have all been disrupted, reports the ITAR-TASS press agency.

Cargo turnover at Crimean seaports fell by 23.6% year-on-year to 12 million tonnes in 2013.