Drone Attacks Hit Two Ships in Black Sea; 11 Sailors Missing

SOFIA — Two cargo ships were hit by drone attacks off Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast on October 13, with one vessel sinking and 11 sailors reported missing, according to the latest reports. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev said one crew member from the sunken ship had been rescued.

The second vessel, the Malta-flagged cargo ship Chelsea 3, was also struck by drones. All 15 crew members aboard were rescued, and five received medical treatment for minor injuries. No serious injuries were reported among them.

Radev said there was no clear evidence identifying those responsible for the attacks. He said Bulgaria would summon the Russian ambassador and that he planned to speak with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Bulgaria has not officially confirmed who carried out the attacks.

The incidents come amid growing security concerns in the Black Sea region, where commercial shipping has faced increasing risks during the Russia-Ukraine war. Further attacks on merchant vessels could threaten maritime safety and disrupt international trade routes.