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Bulgarian PM says drone attack on 2 commercial vessels is ‘blatant violation of international law’
Authorities said 18 crew members were evacuated and two sailors were hospitalized as Bulgaria investigated the first attack on shipping in its exclusive economic zone.
- On Tuesday, Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev reported that sea and aerial drones struck two commercial vessels about 80 miles off Bulgaria's coast, sinking the Togo-flagged Alfa Watan and setting the Palau-flagged Able ablaze.
- This attack follows a Monday incident where a Turkish-owned cargo ship sank off Romania, killing two people. The Russia-Ukraine war increasingly disrupts Black Sea shipping, driving up insurance costs and threatening regional security.
- Radev denounced the strike as "an unacceptable attack in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone," violating international maritime law. Bulgarian ferry evacuated 18 crew members from the Able; two sailors suffered severe injuries and were flown to hospital in Varna.
- NATO referred inquiries regarding drone origins to Bulgarian authorities, citing insufficient evidence for attribution. Radev stated it remains unclear whether the drones originated from Russia or Ukraine, as investigations continue.
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the attacks, stating, "Commercial ships – and innocent crews – are being targeted, with lives already lost at sea." Radev warned the war could expand geographically, increasing global conflict risks.
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212 Articles
Two freighters are attacked in front of Bulgaria with drones – a ship sinks, sailors are missing.
·Kassel, Germany
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One ship sank and another is damaged after being hit by drones in the Black Sea off Bulgaria.
·Borås, Sweden
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The maritime tragedy leaves another merchant damaged, 18 people evacuated and concerns about a possible spill of fuel on the Bulgarian coast of the Black Sea. "There are no traces," say authorities
·Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
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After the alleged drone attack, a capsized lifeboat and life jackets were found at the accident site. Rescue forces took injured seamen to a hospital in Varna.
Two Turkish boats hit off the coast of Bulgaria: one was abyssed, lost the crew. Zelensky: . It was the Russians. Ukrainian bombs on the capital, two dead
·Rome, Italy
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources212
Leaning Left35Leaning Right31Center32Last UpdatedBias Distribution36% Left
Bias Distribution
- 36% of the sources lean Left
36% Left
L 36%
C 33%
R 31%
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