Ship sinks and crew missing after Black Sea drone attack



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Two injured crew members from one of the ships have been sent for treatment.


Bulgarian officials say a civilian cargo ship sank and the crew is missing after being attacked by drones in the Black Sea.


Another vessel carrying grain was also hit in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone, but all 18 crew members were rescued.


The strikes came amid Russia’s intensified attacks in the eastern Black Sea, part of the ongoing war against Ukraine.


Moscow has not commented, but EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the attacks, calling them “unacceptable.”


Bulgarian President Rumen Radev described the incidents as a “flagrant violation of maritime law” and highlighted the danger of expanding conflict across the region.


The vessel, named Alfa Watan, was flying the flag of Togo, Turkish‑owned and en route to Sulina, Romania. It was struck around 03:00 local time, some 70 miles off Byala in eastern Bulgaria.


The second ship, carrying grain under the flag of Palau, had 18 crew – 11 Turkish and seven Indian nationals – and was rescued by Bulgarian sailors. Two were injured in a fire on board.