Drone Strike Sinks Merchant Vessel Near Bulgaria, Several Sailors Missing

Several sailors are missing after a drone attack on a merchant vessel off the coast of Bulgaria, prompting the Bulgarian government to summon the Russian ambassador. Bulgarian officials confirmed that two attacks targeted merchant vessels in the Black Sea overnight. One vessel, the "HS Dignity," flying the Guinea-Bissau flag, sank 15 nautical miles east of the Bulgarian village of Krapets, initiating an urgent search and rescue operation.

Another ship, the "Chelsea 3," which is Ukrainian-owned and sails under the Maltese flag, was struck by three drones approximately 18 nautical miles off the coast of Byala, Bulgaria. All 15 crew members, including seven Ukrainian and eight Azerbaijani nationals, were safely rescued and transported to the port of Varna, according to Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev.

Both the Bulgarian President and Prime Minister strongly condemned the attacks near Bulgarian waters, suggesting a potential connection to Russia. Prime Minister Radev stated that Bulgaria is seeking support for an investigation to determine the origin of the drones. "We do not have clear and conclusive evidence to attribute responsibility to either side. However, as I have already stated, the logic suggests that the outcome benefits the Russian Federation," Radev commented on social media. He announced his intention to summon the Russian Ambassador for a meeting and informed NATO allies and the European Union about the incidents, seeking assistance to enhance air and maritime surveillance and defense.

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. This is unacceptable." She urged that those responsible be held accountable. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte affirmed that the alliance "will continue to work closely with our Allies in the Black Sea" and has "already strengthened our posture along the eastern flank." This is a developing story.