Drone Attack Sinks Ship Off Bulgaria's Coast, PM Radev Cites 'Unacceptable' Incident Near NATO Waters

A drone attack has resulted in the sinking of one ship and damage to another off Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, according to Prime Minister Rumen Radev. The Ukrainian-owned vessel, Chelsea 3, which was sailing under a Maltese flag, was struck by three drones approximately 18 nautical miles (33km) from Bulgaria's coast around 1:30 AM on Tuesday (22:30 GMT Monday). Prime Minister Radev stated that the ship's 15-man crew, comprising seven Ukrainians and eight Azerbaijanis, were successfully rescued. Five crew members received medical attention, with no serious injuries reported. He also confirmed that one crew member from the sunken vessel was rescued.

Radev described the incident as "absolutely unacceptable," highlighting that it occurred "in the immediate vicinity of Bulgarian territorial waters." He announced plans to speak with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte regarding the attack. While Radev noted there was no clear evidence of who was responsible, he suggested that "the outcome benefits" Russia and confirmed that the Russian ambassador would be summoned over the incident.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the attacks, stating, "The Black Sea has become another front of escalation of the Russian war in Ukraine." She added, "This is unacceptable. I strongly condemn the drone attacks on merchant ships near Bulgaria’s coast. Putting the lives of the crew in grave danger and threatening security in the Black Sea." Von der Leyen expressed solidarity with Bulgaria, thanking its rescuers for their swift response and emphasizing that "Those responsible should be held accountable."

Bulgaria, as a member of the NATO military alliance, occupies a strategic position on the Black Sea, a region with vital ports for both Russia and Ukraine. This incident occurs amid growing concerns about hybrid attacks involving Russia. Last week, two ships off Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast were hit by drones, leading to one sinking. All 10 crew members from that vessel remain unaccounted for.