Prime Minister Rumen Radev announced that two ships were hit in drone attacks off Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, with one sinking.
The Ukrainian-owned Chelsea 3, sailing under a Maltese flag, was struck by three drones and damaged approximately 18 nautical miles (33km) off Bulgaria at about 1:30 AM on Tuesday (10:30 PM GMT on Monday), Radev stated.
He reported that the ship's 15-man crew, comprising seven Ukrainians and eight Azerbaijanis, was rescued. Five crew members received medical attention, but no one sustained serious injuries.
Radev also mentioned that one crew member from the sunken vessel was rescued.
Describing the incident as "absolutely unacceptable," Radev noted, "Another attack in the immediate vicinity of Bulgarian territorial waters." He added, "I am due to speak with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte."
While Radev indicated there was no clear evidence of who carried out the attack, he suggested that "the outcome benefits" Russia and that the Russian ambassador would be summoned regarding the incident.
As a member of the NATO military alliance, Bulgaria occupies a strategic location on the Black Sea, a region crucial for both Russian and Ukrainian ports.
This incident occurs amidst growing concerns about hybrid attacks involving Russia.
Last week, drones struck two ships off Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, resulting in one sinking. All 10 crew members from the sunken ship remain unaccounted for.
