Drone strike sets ship ablaze in Romanian waters, raises fear Ukraine war is spreading across Black Sea
Tanker catches fire off Sulina
The Wine Trader was traveling from Tunisia to Romania when it caught fire about 13 nautical miles southeast of Sulina, the Romanian Naval Authority said. Five crew members were rescued, while seven were still missing.
Initial medical assessments found that one rescued person had scalp burns and another had mild smoke inhalation. The other three appeared unharmed, according to the Department for Emergency Situations. Romanian President Nicusor Dan said the vessel was hit by a drone but did not identify its origin.
Other incidents near Romania
Romania’s defense ministry said air targets were monitored overnight near Ukraine’s Snake Island. A drone briefly entered Romanian airspace southeast of Sulina at 1:34 a.m. before disappearing from radar, the ministry said.
Strikes reported near Bulgaria
On Tuesday, drone strikes hit two ships off Bulgaria. Eleven crew members from the Guinea-Bissau-flagged HS Dignity remained missing, while rescuers evacuated all 15 crew members of the Ukrainian-operated Chelsea 3, which sailed under a Maltese flag. Five people from the Chelsea 3 received treatment for minor injuries; its crew reported three aerial drones hit the vessel’s deck and hull.
NATO discusses Black Sea security
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said he met with Radev and Dan to discuss Black Sea security and recent attacks on commercial shipping. Rutte said NATO had strengthened its eastern flank, including by increasing counter-drone capabilities, and would adjust its deterrence and defense posture as needed.
Key points
- Five people were rescued from the Wine Trader, and seven remained missing.
- Romanian officials said a drone hit the tanker but did not identify its origin.
- Drone-related incidents have also affected vessels near Bulgaria.
- NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the alliance would adjust its Black Sea posture as needed.