Bulgaria reports first drone attack on ships in Black Sea

Able: Able is a Palau-flagged commercial ship. It sustained drone damage that caused a fire but had its full crew of 18 rescued, with two sailors requiring hospitalization for injuries. Bulgaria: Bulgaria is a NATO member country bordering the Black Sea. In this incident, it reported the first drone attack on commercial shipping inside its exclusive economic zone and is coordinating search and rescue efforts while monitoring a suspicious vessel. Alfa Watan: Alfa Watan is a Togo-flagged commercial vessel. It was struck by aerial and sea drones, caught fire, and sank rapidly within Bulgarian waters, leaving its crew unaccounted for. Rumen Radev: Rumen Radev serves as Prime Minister of Bulgaria. He described the drone strikes as an unacceptable violation of international and maritime law and confirmed that Bulgarian forces are tracking a drifting ship that has been under observation since August. International Law: The incident represents the first reported strike inside a NATO member's exclusive economic zone, prompting Bulgarian authorities to emphasize their duty to protect all vessels regardless of flag. Maritime Security: Attacks on commercial vessels are raising insurance costs and complicating shipping routes through the Black Sea. Black Sea Conflict: Drone and missile strikes on ships and ports in the Black Sea have become a recurring feature of the Ukraine war, with forces on both sides targeting maritime traffic.