The Greek oil tanker, sailing under the Liberian flag, was attacked by three naval drones on Wednesday off the coast of Bulgaria. The incident occurred approximately 21 miles southeast of Shabla and within Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone.
Details of the Incident
Bulgaria's Defense Minister, Dimitar Stoyanov, announced at a regional security meeting that the oil tanker was targeted by three naval drones. According to officials, the tanker, which had 421 containers, was en route from the port of Haifa in Israel to the port of Constanta in Romania.
The Bulgarian Ministry of Transport stated in a statement that four police and naval boats were dispatched to the scene to assist the tanker. All 18 crew members of the tanker, including 14 Filipinos and 4 Ukrainians, were safely brought to shore.
Damage from the Attack
The owner of the tanker, Contships Management, confirmed the attack on the tanker, and an official from the company stated that all crew members are safe. Additionally, a maritime security source reported severe damage to the tanker and that it was listing to one side.
Drone attacks on commercial vessels off the coast of Bulgaria have raised serious concerns about security in the Black Sea. These attacks in recent weeks have resulted in the deaths of about two dozen international sailors. At least six commercial vessels have been damaged in these attacks.
These attacks have occurred in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone, where the country has exclusive rights to explore and manage resources. This situation has led to international condemnations and concerns about the escalation of the war in Ukraine.
Bulgaria, as a member of the European Union and NATO, is seeking assistance from allies to strengthen maritime security. In this context, Turkish Defense Minister, Yasar Guler, has warned about attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea and stated that Ankara reserves the right to take legal action against these attacks.
