Drones sink two cargo ships, damage one, near NATO countries in Black Sea

Drone Attacks on Commercial Shipping

Multiple drone attacks in the Black Sea resulted in the sinking of two cargo ships, the Togo-flagged Alfa Watan and the Turkish-owned Royad Mammadov, and damage to a third, the Palau-flagged Able. These incidents occurred on October 5 and 6, 2023, within the exclusive economic zones of NATO member countries Bulgaria and Romania.

The attacks led to the deaths of at least two sailors, with others injured or missing. The Alfa Watan sank, while the Able was set ablaze off the coast of Bulgaria. The Royad Mammadov caught fire and sank within Romania's exclusive economic zone.

International Reactions and Accusations

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev called the incidents "an unacceptable attack in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone" and "a blatant violation of international law and maritime law." European Union president Ursula von der Leyen described the drone strikes as "increasingly concerning" and stated that "attacks on civilian shipping are unacceptable," though she noted the circumstances were "still being established."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, however, attributed the attacks to a "Russian combined attack using both sea and aerial drones," citing a joint investigation with Bulgaria’s navy. Zelenskyy also stated that Ukraine's military was not operating in that part of the Black Sea.

Context of Escalation

These drone attacks mark the first time cargo ships have been sunk or damaged in the exclusive economic zones of NATO member countries by drones. This represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, as commercial shipping in the Black Sea has increasingly come under attack during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Russia has also been accused of engaging in "hybrid warfare" incidents across Europe.