Black Sea Drone Strike Sinks Togo-Flagged Cargo Ship Off Bulgarian Coast
Two commercial cargo ships were struck by maritime and aerial drones in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea, leaving one vessel sunk and forcing the rescue of 18 crew members from a second ship that caught fire. The coordinated attacks occurred at approximately 3:00 a.m. roughly 70 miles east of Byala, marking the first time commercial vessels have been targeted by drones within Bulgarian waters.
Bulgarian Authorities Confirm Vessel Sinking and Fire Response
The Togo-flagged cargo ship Alpha Month suffered severe structural damage and sank following the strike, while the Palau-flagged cargo ship Able caught fire. The 18 crew members aboard the Able—consisting of 11 Turkish citizens and seven Indian nationals—abandoned ship and were safely evacuated by the Bulgarian-flagged ferry Dioscuria, which was redirected to the scene of the incident. Two of the rescued sailors sustained injuries and were transferred by a fast boat to the port of Varna for medical treatment at the Naval Hospital.
European leaders condemn expanding Black Sea violence
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev condemned the incidents as an unacceptable violation of maritime law and international norms, warning that the ongoing conflict in the region continues to expand geographically and threaten global shipping costs and maritime safety. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen voiced deep concern over the escalating violence in the Black Sea, noting that commercial vessels and innocent crews are increasingly targeted just one day after a Turkish-flagged grain ship was struck and sunk off the coast of Romania. Maritime risk analysts characterize these strikes as a sharp escalation in threats to commercial shipping across the western Black Sea.
What happened to the ships attacked off Bulgaria?
What are the names of the two commercial ships attacked off the Bulgarian coast?
The vessels involved are the Togo-flagged cargo ship Alpha Month, which sank, and the Palau-flagged cargo ship Able, which caught fire after being struck.
Who rescued the crew members from the damaged ships?
The 18 crew members from the burning cargo ship Able were rescued by the Bulgarian ferry Dioscuria, which was redirected to the scene.
Are the identities and whereabouts of the crew from the sunken ship known?
The fate and exact location of the crew aboard the sunken Alpha Month remain unknown, with Bulgarian authorities continuing search and rescue operations.
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