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Drone Attack Hits Two Ships Off Bulgaria, One Sinks
In brief
Two merchant ships were hit by drones off Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast early on Tuesday, Oct 13, and one of them sank, Prime Minister Rumen Radev said. The Maltese-flagged, Ukrainian-owned Chelsea 3 was damaged about 18 nautical miles offshore; its 15 crew were rescued and none were seriously hurt.
What happened off Bulgaria? According to Al Jazeera, citing AP and Reuters, the Chelsea 3 was struck by three drones at about 1:30am local time on Tuesday. Radev said its crew — seven Ukrainians and eight Azerbaijanis — were rescued, and five received medical help. A second ship was also hit and sank.
Who is blamed for the Black Sea drone attack?
Radev said there was no clear evidence yet of who carried out the attack, but said the outcome benefits Russia and that the Russian ambassador would be summoned. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the attacks on merchant ships and called them unacceptable.
Has this happened before?
Yes. Last week drones hit two ships off the same coast, and one of them sank; reports say all 10 crew of that ship remain unaccounted for. Bulgaria is a NATO member with a strategic Black Sea position, where both Russia and Ukraine have important ports.
What is still unknown?
Investigators have not publicly named those responsible, and details on the second vessel were limited in early reports. Shipping firms and insurers will watch for new guidance on routes along the western Black Sea.
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Why it matters
Attacks on merchant ships near an EU and NATO member raise the risk to Black Sea trade routes that carry grain, fuel and other goods.
People also ask
Did anyone die in the Oct 13 Bulgaria drone attack?
Early reports said the 15 crew of the Chelsea 3 were rescued and no one was seriously injured.
Where did the ship attack happen?
About 18 nautical miles (33 km) off Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, according to the prime minister.
Sources
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