Drone Hits Ship in Black Sea off Romania, Killing One Sailor, Three Missing as Vessel Capsizes
A drone has hit a commercial ship in the Black Sea off the coast of Romania, killing at least one crew member with three more still missing, Romanian President Nicusor Dan said on Friday.
President Dan said a security incident had occurred that morning: a vessel was struck by a drone approximately 13 nautical miles from the coast, just beyond Romania's territorial waters.
He said the coast guard had saved nine sailors as part of the rescue operation. Unfortunately, he added, one sailor had died and three others were still being searched for.
According to Romania's Interior Ministry, the ship suffered significant damage, has capsized and is now in danger of sinking.
The incident is the latest in a string of drone attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea. Dan said last week that Russia's intention was clearly to weaken Romania's support for Ukraine in the war, but he vowed not to back down.
NATO allies met on Tuesday to discuss the threat to Black Sea shipping, and Dan said Romania would receive additional capabilities to help defend the area.
The Romanian president said the incident was evidently part of the broader process of escalation that Russia is pursuing in the context of its war in Ukraine.
Over the last month, drones have hit several cargo ships and chemical tankers close to Romania and Bulgaria — both NATO members — killing more than 20 people in total.
The growing attacks on commercial vessels have deepened concerns about safe navigation in the Black Sea. Attacks so close to the coasts of NATO member states have also raised security questions for the alliance.
Rescue efforts are continuing for the three missing sailors. Attention is also on the condition of the damaged ship and whether it ultimately sinks.
In the context of the Ukraine war, the Black Sea has long been an arena of tension. Those involved believe this continuing pattern of attacks on commercial shipping is intensifying that tension further.
