Bulgarian officials have summoned the Russian ambassador after two merchant ships were struck by drones in the Black Sea, resulting in one vessel sinking and multiple crew members missing.
Key facts
- •The HS Dignity sank with 10 crew members missing, while six were rescued.
- •All 15 crew members from the Chelsea-3 were successfully rescued after the drone strike.
- •The attacks occurred in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone, just outside its territorial waters.
- •Bulgaria is a NATO member, and officials have discussed the security implications with NATO leadership.
- •A previous attack on October 6 resulted in the sinking of the vessel Alfa Watan, with 10 crew members presumed dead.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev summoned the Russian ambassador, Eleonora Mitrofanova, following drone attacks on two merchant ships in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone. The Guinea-Bissau-flagged HS Dignity sank 17 nautical miles east of Krapets, leaving 10 crew members missing, while all 15 crew members from the Ukrainian-owned Chelsea-3 were rescued after it was struck near Byala.
By the numbers
Official Response and Investigation
Prime Minister Radev convened an emergency meeting to address the incidents, which occurred just outside Bulgarian territorial waters. While Radev noted there was no conclusive evidence of blame, he stated that the outcome benefits the Russian Federation. Ambassador Mitrofanova informed Radev that she lacked information from the Russian defense ministry and suggested the strikes could be a provocation by a third party.
Regional Security Concerns
Bulgaria’s Defense Minister, Dimitar Stoyanov, stated that the government assumes the drones are Russian, noting that it would be illogical for Ukraine to target its own ships. The attacks follow similar incidents involving commercial vessels in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone a week prior. Radev has consulted with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte regarding the security environment in the Black Sea, while Stoyanov has coordinated with counterparts in Romania and Turkey.
Timeline
- October 6Two commercial ships were hit by drones in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone, including the Alfa Watan which sank.
- A week after October 6The HS Dignity and Chelsea-3 were struck by drones in the Black Sea.
- TuesdayPrime Minister Radev convened an emergency meeting and summoned the Russian ambassador.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by BBC Europe.
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