Overview
- The Comoros-flagged Khoryv sank after a reported drone strike 13 nautical miles off Constanța on Friday, Oct. 23, with nine crew rescued, one body recovered and three still missing.
- Romanian authorities said the ship carried 13 sailors, ten Ukrainians and three Azerbaijanis, and rescue teams faced rough seas and low visibility during searches.
- NATO announced deployments of additional maritime patrol aircraft, radar, drones and forensic teams and the European Parliament urged an EU naval role to strengthen Black Sea surveillance.
- Romania has accused Russia of escalating attacks on NATO's eastern flank and its defence council has ordered faster development of maritime surveillance and mine- and drone-counter capabilities.
- The strikes have concentrated near the Sulina Canal and Danube-linked routes used for Ukrainian exports, raising risks to commercial shipping, food and energy supply chains and increasing pressure for coordinated regional protection.