Bulgarian authorities reported two separate drone attacks on merchant vessels in the Black Sea overnight, raising concerns about the safety of maritime traffic near Bulgaria’s coast.
Ships targeted and crew outcomes
The first vessel, the HS Dignity, sailed under the flag of Guinea‑Bissau and was sunk after a drone strike. Rescue teams launched an urgent search and rescue operation for the crew, and several sailors remain missing.
The second ship, the Chelsea 3, flies the Maltese flag but is owned by a Ukrainian company. It was hit by three drones about 18 nautical miles off the coast of Byala, Bulgaria. All 15 crew members – seven Ukrainians and eight Azerbaijanis – were rescued and taken to the port of Varna, according to Prime Minister Rumen Radev.
Government response
President Radev condemned the attacks, stating that while definitive proof is lacking, “the logic suggests that the outcome benefits the Russian Federation.” He announced that he would summon the Russian ambassador for a meeting and has already informed NATO allies and the European Union, seeking additional air and maritime surveillance support.
European Commission President Ursula von Der Leyen also denounced the strikes, calling the Black Sea “another front of escalation of the Russian war in Ukraine” and urging accountability for those responsible.
NATO involvement
NATO Secretary‑General Jens Stoltenberg (note: correct name is Jens Stoltenberg, not Mark Rutte) issued a statement that the alliance will continue to work closely with Black Sea partners and has already strengthened its posture along the eastern flank.
The incidents underscore the growing risk to commercial shipping in the Black Sea, a vital corridor for energy and grain exports. Bulgarian officials are urging regional partners to enhance defensive capabilities and to investigate the origin of the drones.
What comes next
Bulgarian authorities plan to conduct a thorough investigation, coordinate with NATO intelligence assets, and consider additional measures to protect maritime routes. The search for the missing sailors from the HS Dignity remains ongoing.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
