Overview
- Multiple sea drones struck the Liberian-flagged container ship CONTSHIP JET inside Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone, causing three breaches to the starboard hull.
- Bulgarian navy and rescue services evacuated all 18 crew members with no reported injuries, and the crew were taken to Varna for care and debriefing.
- The damaged vessel later sank after losing buoyancy and roughly 20 of about 421 containers reportedly fell overboard, creating an immediate risk of cargo loss and local pollution.
- Video published by a maritime website circulated showing a drone approaching and striking the ship, and Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey publicly condemned the attack and called for reinforced defensive support.
- Authorities have opened investigations into the strikes, attribution has not been announced, and the incident adds to a recent pattern of unmanned maritime attacks that threaten Black Sea shipping and could prompt new allied security measures.