Merchant vessels hit by drone attacks off the coast of Bulgaria

On October 13, 2026, two merchant vessels were struck by drone attacks in the Black Sea near the Bulgarian coast, resulting in one ship sinking and eleven sailors reported missing. The first vessel, a Ukrainian-owned ship under the Maltese flag, was hit by three drones 18 nautical miles from the city of Byala, with all 15 crew members rescued. The second vessel was struck 17 nautical miles east of the village of Krapets, where only one crew member was saved. This incident follows similar attacks reported last week, where another ship was sunk and ten crew members—nine Syrians and one Egyptian—remain missing.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev condemned the attacks as unacceptable and announced the summoning of the Russian Ambassador, Eleonora Mitrofanova, to provide explanations. Radev stated that while there is no definitive forensic proof, the evidence points toward Russian involvement. In response, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte indicated that the alliance will adjust its defensive posture in the region as needed. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa also issued strong condemnations, emphasizing the threat to Black Sea security and calling for those responsible to be held accountable. The matter is expected to be discussed at the upcoming European Council summit.