Overview
- A cargo ship attacked in Romania's exclusive economic zone sank after a drone strike, with Romanian authorities reporting two crew killed and eleven rescued and identifying the vessel as the Royad Mammadov.
- Bulgarian officials said two merchant vessels were struck in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone the next day, with one Togolese‑flagged ship sinking and its crew reported missing while the other was evacuated after an onboard fire.
- Russian authorities reported that a Liberian‑flag tanker off Sotchi was hit by drones and set ablaze but that all 23 Indian crew were rescued, with videos showing large flames and a heavy smoke plume over the coast.
- Leaders from Ukraine, Russia and regional governments have publicly traded accusations about responsibility for the strikes, and states including Bulgaria and Romania have convened emergency meetings to coordinate search, rescue and investigations.
- Independent firm Ambrey says finds of war-related drones and unexploded munitions in the Black Sea have surged in recent months, raising navigation hazards, environmental risks, higher insurance premiums and pressure on shipping routes.