Search and rescue operation underway for missing crew after vessel sinks off Romania

On October 23, 2026, the cargo vessel Khoryv, flying the flag of the Comoros, issued a distress signal while located approximately 13 nautical miles off the coast of Constanța, Romania. The ship, which was outside of Romanian territorial waters, carried a crew of thirteen, consisting of ten Ukrainian and three Azeri nationals. Nine crew members were rescued by authorities, while one individual was recovered deceased. Three other sailors currently remain missing.

While the Romanian Naval Authority has not confirmed the exact cause of the incident, conflicting reports have emerged regarding the circumstances. Official statements report the ship sent a distress signal around 10:00 local time, with officials noting the lack of a clear cause for the emergency. Conversely, some independent sources, such as GeoInsider, have alleged that the vessel sank after being struck by a drone, occurring against a backdrop of ongoing maritime incidents related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Rescue operations are currently ongoing but are facing significant challenges due to severe weather conditions and limited visibility, which have prevented the deployment of helicopters. Authorities continue to search for the remaining three missing crew members as the investigation into the vessel's sinking proceeds.