Drone attack hits container ship off Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, defense minister says
- On Wednesday, three naval drones struck the Liberian-flagged container ship Contship Jet about 21 nautical miles southeast of Shabla near Cape Kaliakra, Bulgarian Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov reported. The crew evacuated without casualties.
- This strike is part of a series of drone attacks this month off the coasts of NATO members Romania and Bulgaria, where at least 6 merchant vessels have been targeted, raising concerns about Black Sea shipping security.
- Estimates on the human toll vary: some reports note two deaths and at least 25 missing, while others suggest drone strikes have likely killed two-dozen seafarers in recent weeks. Authorities have not definitively identified the perpetrator.
- The attack occurred while defense ministers from Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey met in Sofia for trilateral Black Sea security talks. Suspicion has fallen on Moscow, though Russia denied involvement; Prime Minister Rumen Radev noted the difficulty proving responsibility.
- NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte announced on Oct. 15 that the alliance "strengthened our posture along the eastern flank including with increasing counter-drone capabilities," as regional governments implement enhanced defenses to protect maritime routes.
240 Articles
240 Articles
According to the announcement of the owner company, the Contship Jet had an 18-member crew, while the Greek Foreign Ministry condemns the attack, speaking of unacceptable attacks that endanger human lives.
Ship chartered by Israeli company sinks in Black Sea after drone attack
The attack is the latest in a series of strikes on commercial vessels off Bulgaria. Ukraine has blamed Russia, which denies involvement, as Bulgaria seeks allied help to bolster maritime security
In the Black Sea, another merchant ship was hit by sea drones. The Bulgarian shipping administration confirmed a first communication. The ship, which was sailing under Liberian flag, had fallen.
The attack took place in the economic zone of the EU and NATO member. According to the Bulgarian authorities, the drone attack came from an eastern direction, the authors are still unknown.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 41% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
