Cargo Ship Sinks Following Drone Attacks in Bulgaria's Economic Zone

Key Facts

1Two commercial ships were hit by drones within Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea.

2The Togo-flagged ship Alfa Watan sank, while all 18 crew members of the ship Able were rescued.

3Bulgarian PM Rumen Radev called the attack a blatant violation of international law but did not immediately name a perpetrator.

Two commercial ships were hit by drones within Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea, leading to the sinking of one vessel. Reuters reported that the Togo-flagged ship Alfa Watan sank after sustaining severe damage, while all 18 crew members of the Palau-flagged ship Able were rescued following a fire on board. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev called the attack a blatant violation of international law, noting the incident occurred approximately 70 nautical miles east of Byala.

The attack resulted in injuries to two sailors who were transported to Varna for medical treatment, with the crew of the Able consisting of 11 Turkish and 7 Indian nationals. The event marks the first direct attack on commercial shipping within the economic zone of a NATO member in the Black Sea. Bulgarian authorities have not yet named a perpetrator for the drone strikes, though the escalation continues to heighten maritime insurance risks in the region.