Bulgarian officials have reported the continuation of rescue operations following a series of attacks on ships off the coast of the country in the Black Sea. In these attacks, parts of a drone have been recovered that could confirm the origins of the attack, but another damaged ship appears to have sunk last night.
Details of the Rescue Operation
Bulgarian forces have conducted the rescue operation at a cost of approximately €200,000, successfully securing one of the damaged ships, named Chelsea-3, with a capacity of 5,827 tons, and transferring it to a dock in the city of Burgas. Inspection teams found drone parts on this ship, which are currently undergoing chemical analysis to determine the type of explosives and identify the drone.
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History of Attacks and Status of Ships
The Chelsea-3 ship, belonging to Ukrainian interests and registered in Malta, was attacked on October 13 at a distance of approximately 17 miles east of Byala. This ship was moving only with ballast, and its 15 crew members were evacuated. Bulgarian officials refrained from commenting on the origins of the attack but emphasized that it is unlikely Ukraine would attack one of its own ships.
On October 19 and 20, officials reported that another damaged ship, named Able, which was registered under the Palau flag, had disappeared from radar and was likely sunk. This ship was attacked on October 6 in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone about 70 nautical miles from Byala and was inspected by air and naval teams on October 9, which reported extensive damage from fire and flooding in the engine room.
The Able ship, with a capacity of 5,985 tons, was carrying grain from Romania to Turkey and drifted in the Black Sea for over a week before ultimately sinking due to the damages sustained. Bulgarian officials also noted that international assistance is available if needed to identify the drone parts and explosives.
Prime Minister Rumen Radev also added that a U.S. Poseidon aircraft is patrolling the Black Sea and has increased its activities to enhance reconnaissance and provide early warnings to Bulgaria.
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