Two merchant vessels were attacked by drones in the Black Sea off the coast of Bulgaria, with one of the ships subsequently sinking.
The incidents occurred during the early hours of October 13 near Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone.
The first vessel targeted was the Malta-flagged Chelsea 3. According to Bulgarian authorities, the ship was struck three times approximately 17–18 nautical miles off the coast near Byala.
There were 15 crew members aboard — seven Ukrainian nationals and eight Azerbaijani nationals. All were successfully evacuated by Bulgarian border police and brought to Varna.
According to the latest information, eight seafarers sustained injuries, with three requiring hospital treatment. Two reportedly suffered second-degree burns, while another sustained a minor head injury.
Despite the strikes, Chelsea 3 remained afloat, although the vessel developed a slight list following the attack.
The ship is owned and managed by Black Sea Shipping Management, based in Odesa, Ukraine. Chelsea 3 was sailing from Turkey toward Moldova.
Crew members told journalists that the vessel had been hit by Russian drones. However, the origin of the drones has not yet been officially confirmed by investigators.
At around the same time, authorities received reports of an attack on a second merchant vessel approximately 15–17 nautical miles east of Krapets.
The second vessel sank. Initial reports differed regarding its identity and the exact number of rescued crew members, and Bulgarian authorities are continuing to establish the circumstances of the incident.
Following the attacks, Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev called an emergency meeting of the Security Council to discuss the situation in the Black Sea and threats to civilian shipping.
Bulgarian authorities are also coordinating with European and allied institutions as concerns grow over the safety of commercial navigation in the region.
Investigations into both attacks are ongoing, with authorities working to determine the origin of the drones, assess the damage and establish the full circumstances of the incidents.
