Drone Attack Hits Two Merchant Ships off Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast

Drones attacked two merchant ships off the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. The attack took place east of Cape St. Atanas and the town of Byala.

One of the vessels sank after sustaining severe structural damage. A fire broke out on board the second ship, and its 18-member crew was evacuated and rescued by a Bulgarian ferry. One vessel was sailing under the flag of Togo, while the other was registered under the flag of Palau.

A large-scale search and rescue operation is underway, as the crew members of one of the ships remain missing.

Hours after the attack, Bulgaria’s security services convened for an emergency meeting with the prime minister. Rumen Radev described the incident as a flagrant violation of international law.

“An absolutely unacceptable attack in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone. A blatant violation of international law,” the PM stated.