Two Commercial Vessels Struck by Drones in Bulgaria's Exclusive Economic Zone
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev condemns the attacks as a 'blatant violation of international law' and warns of escalating risks in the Black Sea.
Two commercial vessels were struck by drones in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea on Tuesday, an event Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev described as an "unacceptable attack" and a "blatant violation of international law and maritime law."
The drones struck the ships around 3 a.m. at a distance of approximately 80 miles off Bulgaria's coast, according to Radev, who spoke after an emergency government meeting.
The Togo-flagged vessel Alfa Watan sustained critical structural damage and sank at the site. The fate of its crew was not immediately clear. The second ship, the Palau-flagged Able, caught fire following the attack, and its 18 crew members were evacuated by a Bulgarian ferry. Two sailors from the Able suffered severe injuries and were transported to a hospital in the port city of Varna.
The origin of the drones remains undetermined. The Able was reportedly carrying wheat and sailing south, while the Alfa Watan was heading north. Authorities are monitoring for potential environmental pollution, including oil spills.
Radev stated that Bulgaria, as a responsible state within its exclusive economic zone, is obligated to conduct emergency search and rescue operations regardless of who is responsible for the attack. He added that such incidents are seriously disrupting shipping in the Black Sea, contributing to rising insurance costs and making maritime transport increasingly difficult.
He also cautioned that the conflict is expanding geographically, thereby increasing the risk of global conflict.
These attacks occurred one day after a Turkish-owned cargo ship carrying corn also caught fire and later sank in the Black Sea after a drone attack, according to Romanian authorities. That incident resulted in two deaths and the rescue of 11 crew members. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attributed that attack to "two Russian drones on a civilian vessel" in neutral waters.
NATO declined to comment on the drone attacks, referring inquiries to Bulgarian authorities. Last month, the alliance's top commander, U.S. Gen. Alex Grynkewich, encouraged member countries to publicly identify those responsible for drone incidents or sabotage once sufficient evidence is gathered.