Bulgaria’s Prime Minister, Rumen Radev, condemned the unprecedented drone attacks on two commercial vessels within the country’s exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea. Radev described the incident as a clear breach of international maritime laws following an emergency government meeting. The assault took place around 128 kilometers off the coast near Byala at approximately 3 a.m. local time.
The Alfa Watan, flying the Togo flag, suffered severe structural damage and sank, with no immediate information on the crew’s safety. In contrast, the Palau-flagged Able caught fire after the attack, prompting a Bulgarian ferry to rescue all 18 crew members. Two sailors sustained serious injuries and were airlifted to a hospital in Varna.
The source of the drone attacks remains unknown, leading to concerns about potential environmental hazards such as oil spills. Radev emphasized the necessity of immediate search and rescue operations within the exclusive economic zone to safeguard lives and ensure maritime safety. The disruptions caused by these attacks are significantly impacting shipping activities in the Black Sea, escalating insurance costs, and creating hazardous conditions.
Radev warned of the expanding geographical scope of conflicts, heightening the risk of wider global confrontations. While NATO refrained from commenting on the incidents, they redirected inquiries to Bulgarian authorities for further investigation. The recent drone assaults come in the wake of escalating tensions in the region, with Russia reportedly targeting Ukrainian ports and ships, endangering crucial exports like wheat.
