Two Merchant Vessels Struck by Drones Near Bulgarian Coast

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev has confirmed that two commercial vessels were targeted by drone strikes in the Black Sea, approximately 24 kilometers off the Bulgarian coast. The coordinated assault resulted in one ship sinking, while the second vessel sustained significant damage. This incident marks a concerning escalation in maritime security threats within the region, as rescue teams scramble to locate missing personnel.

Reports indicate that at least eleven sailors remain missing following the sinking of the cargo vessel. Emergency response units were immediately dispatched to the site of the incident to conduct search and rescue operations. While the origin of the drones remains officially unconfirmed, the Bulgarian government has expressed deep concern over the safety of civilian shipping lanes, which are vital for international trade and food security.

In response to the escalating violence, Prime Minister Radev announced plans to summon the Russian Ambassador to Bulgaria, Eleonora Mitrofanova, for formal discussions regarding the attacks. The Prime Minister also indicated that he intends to consult with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to address the implications of these strikes, which occurred within or near Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone.

This event follows a series of similar maritime incidents in the Black Sea, raising alarms among international observers regarding the weaponization of civilian shipping routes. While Bulgaria has not explicitly attributed the strikes to a specific state actor, officials have noted that the outcome of such aggression aligns with the strategic interests of the Russian Federation. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely as the search for survivors persists.