European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday, in an official message on X, that she was deeply concerned about another escalation of tensions by Russia in the Black Sea. She said a civilian ship with a Ukrainian and Azerbaijani crew had been struck off the coast of Romania, and that the reckless attacks targeted innocent lives and flagrantly violated international law.
Von der Leyen said her thoughts were with the family and loved ones of the sailor who lost his life, and with the families of the three crew members who are still missing. She thanked the Romanian rescue teams working without pause to find them.
Her remarks followed a drone attack on Friday on a commercial ship sailing under the flag of the Comoros. The vessel suffered major damage, capsized and faced an imminent risk of sinking. Of the 13 sailors on board, one died and three are missing. Nine others, who were injured, are being taken in by medical crews.
In recent weeks, the grain ship Royad Mammadov, the vessel Yara J and the chemical tanker Wine Trader were hit in the Black Sea by drones of Russian origin, on 5, 14 and 15 October respectively.