Drone strike sparks fire on Comoros-flagged vessel near Sulina, crew unharmed
A Comoros-flagged tanker was hit by a drone near Sulina in the Black Sea, igniting a blaze that was later extinguished with all crew members safe.
Around 20:25, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center was alerted to a drone attack on the tanker YARA J, which flies the Comoros flag, in the Black Sea near the port of Sulina. The strike occurred roughly 8-10 nautical miles southeast of Sulina’s breakwater, within Romania’s territorial sea, and triggered a fire aboard the vessel. Romanian rescue ship SAR APOLLO was dispatched on an emergency mission to the scene.
According to communications from the vessel, the fire was successfully extinguished and no injuries were reported. The crew confirmed that all personnel were safe and they did not request additional support. The rapid response averted further damage and ensured the safety of the crew.
Why it matters
The incident shows the vulnerability of commercial shipping to drone attacks and the effectiveness of regional rescue coordination.
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