Two cargo ships were struck by drone attacks off Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast on Tuesday, resulting in the sinking of one vessel and leaving 11 sailors missing. The incidents have heightened tensions near NATO’s eastern flank, as the waters remain a focal point of conflict linked to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The ship HS Dignity, sailing under Guinea-Bissau’s flag, was sunk during the overnight attack. Bulgarian authorities confirmed that five of the 16 crew members were rescued while the others remain unaccounted for. The second vessel, the Ukrainian-registered Chelsea 3, sailing under Malta’s flag from Turkey to Moldova, was also targeted by drones approximately 18 miles from the Bulgarian coast. All 15 crew members, comprising Ukrainians and Azerbaijanis, were rescued and brought to shore, with five receiving medical treatment for injuries.
Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Rumen Radev said there was no definitive evidence yet to assign blame for the attacks but indicated that “logic suggests that the outcome benefits the Russian Federation.” He emphasized that it would be illogical for Ukraine to strike its own ships. Radev summoned Russia’s ambassador to Bulgaria, Eleonora Mitrofanova, demanding an explanation. According to a Bulgarian government statement, Mitrofanova said she had no information from Moscow about the incidents and suggested a third party could be responsible. Russia has not formally commented on the attacks.
The strikes come amid a surge in drone and missile attacks in the Black Sea region, where Ukraine has intensified efforts targeting Russian shipping since the summer. Ukrainian officials have reported hitting hundreds of Russian vessels connected to the so-called "shadow fleet." In response, Russia has targeted ships attempting to export grain from Ukraine, impacting global food supplies and escalating tensions close to NATO waters.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the Black Sea as "another front of escalation" in the conflict and condemned the incidents as unacceptable. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha attributed responsibility for the attacks to Russia, stating Moscow’s actions show disregard for civilian lives and maritime security. Sybiha urged Western countries to increase pressure on Russia, framing the Black Sea as vital to global food security.
Bulgaria has requested assistance from NATO and allied countries to enhance surveillance and defensive measures in the area. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte affirmed the alliance’s commitment to strengthening its posture on the eastern flank and monitoring the situation closely. Warnings have also been issued to commercial shipping companies transiting the Black Sea due to increased risks.
Separately, French forces in the Indian Ocean intercepted a Chinese-owned crude oil tanker engaged in what French President Emmanuel Macron described as illicit fuel trafficking. The tanker, operating under the flag of Benin and reportedly carrying Russian cargo, was seized amid heightened international scrutiny of maritime fuel shipments linked to Russia. Russian officials have condemned the interception as a breach of international maritime law.
The recent attacks off Bulgaria’s coast underscore the growing volatility in the Black Sea region, reflecting broader geopolitical struggles linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and bearing implications for regional security and global trade. Investigations into the incidents are ongoing.