Eleven sailors are missing after a cargo ship sank due to a drone attack off Bulgaria’s coast, marking potentially the second such incident in a week. Bulgarian officials reported that two cargo vessels were targeted, with one sinking. While Bulgaria did not directly blame Russia, Prime Minister Rumen Radev noted that the attacks serve the interests of the Russian Federation. Moscow has yet to respond to the situation.
Radev condemned the attacks as “absolutely unacceptable” and highlighted the growing risks in the vicinity of Bulgarian territorial waters. Ukraine and the European Union also denounced the drone strikes, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen labeling the Black Sea as a new front in the escalating conflict. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister criticized Moscow’s actions as a blatant disregard for civilian safety, asserting that the Black Sea is vital for global food security.
Bulgarian authorities confirmed that five crew members were rescued from the sunken vessel, identified as the Guinea-Bissau-flagged HS Dignity, while a search operation continues for the missing sailors. Another ship, the Chelsea 3, was attacked but all crew members were rescued unharmed. The recent incidents follow a similar attack last week, which resulted in the loss of ten sailors. As the conflict continues, both Ukraine and Russia are increasingly targeting maritime routes crucial for grain exports.
