Sea drones struck a container ship off Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast on Wednesday, the ship’s owner and the government said. The attack is the latest in a series that has raised concern about the widening reach of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
It was not clear who carried out the strike on the Greek ship, which was sailing under the Liberian flag in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone, or what its 421 containers were carrying. Bulgarian Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov told reporters on the sidelines of a regional security meeting: “A container ship was hit...with three naval drones, approximately 21 miles southeast of Shabla.”
Bulgaria’s transport ministry said four naval and police boats were sent to assist the vessel, which was traveling from the Israeli port of Haifa to Constanța in Romania. The 18 crew members were evacuated. Owner Contships Management confirmed the attack, and a company official said the crew of 14 Filipinos and four Ukrainians were safe and ashore. A maritime security source with knowledge of the matter said the ship had been badly damaged and was listing.
Drone attacks on merchant ships off Bulgaria have likely killed some two dozen international seafarers in recent weeks, according to government statements on missing crew members. At least six merchant vessels have been attacked. The strikes have taken place in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone, beyond its territorial waters, where the country holds sole rights to explore and manage resources.
The attacks have prompted international condemnation and concern about the growing scope of the war in Ukraine. Bulgaria, a member of the European Union and NATO, has sought allied help to strengthen maritime security. Ukraine has blamed Russia, and Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev has said the attacks appear to benefit Russia. Moscow has denied involvement.
Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler warned Russia and Ukraine on Wednesday against attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea and said Ankara reserved the right to take legal action against the strikes.