Tensions have risen in the Black Sea after two commercial ships were hit by drones in Bulgaria’s Exclusive Economic Zone on Tuesday. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev said one vessel sank and the condition of its crew remained unknown, while the second ship caught fire.
The attacks took place about 128 kilometres off Bulgaria’s coast. The Togo-flagged cargo ship Alfa Watan suffered serious structural damage and sank. There was no immediate information about the fate of its crew, and a search operation was launched.
The second vessel, the Palau-flagged Able, was also hit and caught fire. All 18 members of its crew were evacuated with the help of a Bulgarian vessel. Two sailors suffered serious injuries and were taken to a hospital in Varna for treatment.
Bulgarian authorities said the incident was the first reported drone attack on commercial shipping inside the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone in the Black Sea since Bulgaria joined NATO. Radev called the attack a serious violation of international law and said it created additional risks for shipping in the region.
The Bulgarian government held an emergency meeting involving defence, interior, transport and environment officials, as well as security agencies. Rescue teams continued searching for the missing crew members from the sunken ship.
