Bulgaria’s Prime Minister, Rumen Radev, denounced an unprecedented incident where two commercial vessels were hit by drones in the Black Sea within the country’s exclusive economic zone. The attack, occurring about 128 kilometers off the coast near Byala at 3 a.m. local time, was condemned by Radev as a severe breach of international and maritime laws.
Following an emergency government meeting, Radev disclosed that the Togo-flagged Alfa Watan suffered significant structural damage and sank at the scene, with no immediate updates on the crew’s condition. The Palau-flagged Able, the second vessel targeted, caught fire, prompting a Bulgarian ferry to rescue all 18 crew members, two of whom sustained severe injuries and were airlifted to a hospital in Varna.
The origin of the drones responsible for the attack remains unknown. One day earlier, the Able was transporting wheat southwards, while the Alfa Watan was heading north, carrying an undisclosed cargo. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation for potential environmental hazards such as oil spills.
The disruptions caused by these attacks are severely impacting shipping activities in the Black Sea, leading to increased insurance costs and operational challenges, as highlighted by Radev. Expressing concern over the escalating conflict and its global implications, he emphasized the need for immediate action to ensure safety and security in the region.
NATO refrained from commenting on the incident, deferring all queries to Bulgarian authorities. This incident follows a recent drone attack on a Turkish-owned cargo ship carrying corn, resulting in casualties and further emphasizing the volatile situation in the Black Sea region.
In response to these events, various global leaders have condemned the attacks on civilian vessels, emphasizing the loss of lives and the unacceptable targeting of innocent crews. The Russian Defence Ministry claimed responsibility for strikes in Ukraine’s Odesa region and the Black Sea coast, targeting critical infrastructure and vessels, further escalating tensions in the area.
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, marked by drone attacks and military maneuvers, underscores the need for diplomatic solutions and international cooperation to prevent further escalation and protect civilian lives and maritime activities in the region.