Drone strikes sink two cargo ships near Bulgaria and Romania, raising Black Sea security concerns

In recent days, three cargo ships operating in the Black Sea were struck by drones. The first, Alfa Watan, was hit in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone and sank, leaving its crew unaccounted for. The second, Able, sustained damage but its crew was rescued, though two sailors required hospitalization in Varna.

A prior attack on the Royad Mammadov off Romania led to its sinking and the death of two crew members. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev downplayed the incidents, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attributed responsibility to Russia, a claim the Bulgarian government has not officially confirmed. Experts warn that these attacks undermine the perception of safety in the western Black Sea and may prompt stricter maritime monitoring and higher insurance costs.