Two merchant ships were struck by drones in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the Black Sea on Tuesday, 6 October, leaving one vessel sunk and triggering a major search and rescue operation.
The incident involved the Togo-flagged general cargo vessel ALFA WATAN and the Palau-flagged general cargo vessel ABLE, according to Bulgarian authorities and maritime security reports.
The attacks occurred in the early hours of Tuesday approximately 70 nautical miles east of the Bulgarian coastal town of Byala.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev said both aerial and maritime drones were involved in the attack.
ALFA WATAN sinks, crew missing
The ALFA WATAN suffered critical structural damage following the strike and subsequently sank in the Black Sea.
Bulgarian authorities launched a search and rescue operation for the vessel’s crew, whose fate remained unknown at the time of writing.
Authorities are also monitoring the area for any potential environmental impact following the sinking.
The cargo carried by ALFA WATAN has not yet been disclosed.
ABLE crew evacuated after fire
The second vessel, ABLE, caught fire following the drone attack.
All 18 crew members were evacuated from the vessel by the Bulgarian-flagged ferry DIOSCURIA, which was diverted to assist with the emergency response.
Two crew members suffered serious injuries and were transferred for medical treatment in Varna.
The ABLE was carrying grain and sailing south when the incident occurred.
Bulgaria condemns attack on commercial shipping
Following an emergency government meeting, Radev described the attack on commercial vessels inside Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone as unacceptable and a serious violation of international and maritime law.
The Bulgarian government convened representatives from the defence, interior, transport and environment ministries, along with the presidential institution and national security services, to assess the incident.
The origin of the drones had not been officially established at the time of writing, and Bulgarian authorities have not attributed responsibility for the attack.
The incident is believed to be the first reported drone attack against commercial shipping within Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone.
It comes amid growing concerns over the security of merchant shipping in the Black Sea as the regional conflict increasingly affects commercial maritime operations and raises risks for vessels, crews and cargo movements.
