Drone Attack Sinks Cargo Ship in Black Sea, Killing One

A drone attack on Friday struck and sank a cargo vessel in the Black Sea, resulting in the death of one crew member and leaving three others missing, according to officials. The incident occurred approximately 13 nautical miles east of Constanta, Romania.

Romanian naval authorities confirmed that a search and rescue operation is underway. The ship, identified as the Comoros-flagged Khoryv, was en route to Romania's Sulina port after departing Turkey on October 21. The crew comprised 10 Ukrainian citizens and three Azerbaijanis, with nine individuals successfully rescued.

Romanian President Nicusor Dan condemned the attack, stating it exemplifies the "tragic consequences of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine." He urged Russia to "take peace initiatives of the United States and Europe seriously, accept the ceasefire proposals and end the war."

This latest incident is part of a pattern of attacks on commercial shipping in the region, raising concerns about potential escalation in the ongoing conflict. At least seven other cargo vessels have been targeted this month off the coasts of NATO members Romania and Bulgaria, leading to two fatalities and 25 missing crew members.

Rescue teams continued search efforts for the three missing crew members, but operations were hampered by unfavorable weather conditions and low visibility, preventing the deployment of a helicopter.

On Saturday, Romanian pilots on air policing duties reportedly shot down two drones within Romania's territorial waters over the Black Sea.