Drone Strikes Sink Merchant Ship off Bulgaria's Black Sea Coast

Two merchant ships came under drone attack off Bulgaria's Black Sea coast early Tuesday, October 13, 2026, leaving one vessel sunk and its crew largely unaccounted for, while all 15 sailors aboard a second ship were rescued. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev said the incidents prompted an emergency security meeting and plans to summon Russia's ambassador as authorities investigated responsibility.

According to Radev, one vessel sank 17 nautical miles (31 kilometers) east of Krapets, and one crew member was rescued. The second ship, the Ukrainian-owned, Maltese-flagged Chelsea 3, was struck by three aerial drones about 18 nautical miles from Byala, with all 15 crew members evacuated.

The Chelsea 3 crew comprised seven Ukrainians and eight Azerbaijanis, according to reports from Bulgarian authorities. Five crew members received medical assistance for minor injuries, and none was reported to be seriously injured.

The attacks occurred within days of other incidents involving commercial shipping in the Black Sea. The previous week, two vessels were targeted in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone, and one sank with all 10 crew members presumed dead, according to the BBC. Separately, a Turkish-owned cargo ship carrying corn sank off Romania after a drone attack, killing two people, while 11 crew members were rescued, Euronews reported.

During an emergency meeting with security officials, Radev condemned the latest incidents and said Bulgaria would seek assistance from NATO and the European Union. He also planned to speak with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and summon Russian Ambassador Eleonora Mitrofanova.

Radev acknowledged that authorities had not established conclusive evidence identifying those responsible. However, he said the apparent outcome favored Russia, prompting Bulgaria to seek an explanation from Moscow.

Radev described the attacks as "absolutely unacceptable" during his televised remarks. Bulgaria, a NATO member with a strategic position on the Black Sea, has requested technical support from NATO and the EU to investigate earlier attacks on shipping in the region.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the alliance would adjust its defensive measures if necessary following the latest incidents. He said NATO had already strengthened its posture along the eastern flank and would continue working with allies in the Black Sea while monitoring regional security developments.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha directly blamed Russia for the latest attacks and called for stronger international action to protect civilian shipping. He said the strikes demonstrated disregard for civilian lives and maritime security.

"The Black Sea is a lifeline for global food security. Russia is attacking it to weaponise hunger and hold the world hostage. This must be met with strength," Sybiha said.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also condemned the attacks, warning that commercial shipping was facing growing risks as Russia's war against Ukraine continued. She expressed support for Bulgaria and praised the rescuers who evacuated the crews.

"The Black Sea has become another front of escalation of the Russian war in Ukraine," von der Leyen said.

Russia's military had not publicly commented on Tuesday's attacks, according to the BBC and Euronews. Moscow has previously said its operations target vessels transporting weapons and dual-use cargo to Ukrainian ports, while Kyiv and its European allies have accused Russian forces of attacking merchant ships carrying civilian goods, including grain.

The latest incidents have renewed concerns about the security of Black Sea shipping routes, which are important to global grain exports. In May 2025, the European Union unveiled a Black Sea Security Strategy focused on maritime cooperation, protection of critical infrastructure, and responses to hostile activities, including cyberattacks and disinformation.