A merchant ship sank in the Black Sea off Bulgaria after a drone strike, leaving its crew missing. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev condemned the attack as a severe breach of international law, although it remains unclear who conducted the strike approximately 70 miles from Byala. Concerns are rising about hybrid warfare from Russia amid its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. This incident marks the first reported attack in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone.
Radev noted that while the origin of the drones is uncertain, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister accused Russia of responsibility. Two vessels were targeted; one, carrying grain, had its crew rescued, while the other, a Togo-flagged ship, sank with an undisclosed cargo. A search for the missing crew is underway, alongside assessments for potential environmental impacts.
The escalating situation poses risks to commercial shipping in the Black Sea, prompting maritime security firms to alert operators to increased drone activity. Radev warned that if the war continues, it could expand further, threatening global stability. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also condemned the targeting of civilian vessels, emphasizing the need to protect innocent lives at sea.
