Cargo Ship Sinks Off Bulgaria After Drone Strike as Russia Ambassador Summoned
Eleven crew members are missing after a cargo ship sank following a drone strike off Bulgaria. Sofia summoned the Russian ambassador as international leaders condemned the attacks in the Black Sea.
Drone Attacks Strike Cargo Ships in the Black Sea Near Bulgaria
Eleven crew members remain missing after a cargo vessel sank following a drone strike off the coast of Bulgaria. Authorities reported that two ships were hit by drone attacks overnight on Tuesday, prompting Sofia to summon the Russian ambassador.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Radev condemned the attacks while stopping short of explicitly blaming Russia for the incident. "This is unthinkable—another attack in the immediate vicinity of Bulgaria's territorial waters," he said in a televised statement.
According to Bulgarian authorities, five crew members were rescued from the sunken vessel off the coast of the village of Krapets, while 11 others are classified as missing. Bulgarian Vice President Iliana Iotova identified the ship as the HS Dignity, which was sailing under the flag of Guinea-Bissau. Search and rescue operations remain ongoing.
A second vessel, the Chelsea 3, sailing under the Malta flag, was also struck by three drones during the night. All 15 members of its crew—comprising seven Ukrainians and eight Azerbaijani nationals—were rescued, with no serious injuries reported.
International Condemnation and Diplomatic Fallout
The attacks drew sharp condemnations from Ukraine and the European Union. European Commission President Ursula von der Newen wrote on X that "the Black Sea has become another front of escalation in Russia's war in Ukraine," adding that those responsible must be held accountable.
The Black Sea is a lifeline for global food security. Russia is attacking it to weaponize hunger and hold the world hostage.
Following a meeting in Sofia, Russian Ambassador Eleonora Mitrofanova stated that she had no information from the Russian Ministry of Defence regarding attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea, though she did not rule out the possibility of a third-party provocation.
Prime Minister Radev held telephone conversations with von der Newen and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, requesting support to strengthen maritime and air surveillance systems along Bulgaria's borders. Rutte assured that NATO will continue adjusting its military posture on the alliance's eastern flank as needed.