Cargo Ship Sinks in Black Sea Drone Attack Near Bulgaria; 11 Crew Members Missing

A cargo vessel sank after a dangerous nighttime drone attack near Bulgaria's Black Sea coast, leaving 11 of its crew missing. In connection with the incident, the Bulgarian government has summoned Russia's ambassador to the country. Authorities in Bulgaria have confirmed that 11 crew members were lost when the vessel, travelling near the coast of the Krapets area, was attacked. This is the second such incident to occur in the region in recent times. According to information received, the vessel that sank is a cargo ship named "Azov Concord." Five of its crew members were rescued at the time of the incident. Among the attacks, another vessel sailing under the flag of Malta, named "Chelsea 3," was also targeted by three drone strikes. However, all of its crew were safely rescued, including seven Ukrainians and eight Azerbaijanis aboard. About a week earlier, an attack on a vessel travelling in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone also resulted in the loss of nine Syrians and an Egyptian citizen. In connection with these incidents, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev said that such dangerous acts carried out near the country's maritime border are in no way acceptable. He noted that it is Russia that takes illegitimate advantage of the situation, but he did not suspect that Russia was directly behind the attacks. The attacks have been strongly condemned by Ukraine and the European Union. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the Black Sea must not become another frontline in Ukraine's war, and that those responsible for these crimes will be brought before justice. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the attacks reveal the extent to which Russia shows no respect for civilian lives. He also expressed suspicion that Russia is using hunger as a weapon, while the Black Sea is an important route linked to global food security. Due to Russia's continuing attacks on Ukraine's ports, Ukraine has been forced to use the Danube river ports and the sea routes along the coasts of NATO member states Bulgaria and Romania. At the same time, Ukraine has also been carrying out retaliatory attacks targeting Russian oil-carrying vessels operating in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.