Explosions Reported as Eight Crew Missing After Tanker Fire Off Romania Coast
Reported by BBC News · October 15, 2026
Search underway for missing crew
There are reports of explosions on board, but the cause of the fire has not been established in the information available. Nearby ships have made unconfirmed reports that two drones hit the tanker.
Recent attacks in region
The western coast of the Black Sea has experienced a series of drone attacks over the past two weeks. The reports about the tanker come against that wider backdrop, but the claims of a drone strike on it remain unconfirmed.
Bulgaria raises suspicion
Bulgaria, Romania's neighbour, said it suspected Russia was behind Tuesday's attack on the merchant ships. The country summoned Russia's envoy. The article gives no confirmed link between that incident and the fire aboard the tanker off Romania.
Key points
- Eight of the tanker's 12 crew members are missing, naval authorities say.
- Romania's Maritime Coordination Centre has begun a search and rescue operation.
- Nearby ships reported a possible strike by two drones, but the reports are unconfirmed.
- Two merchant ships were hit farther south off Bulgaria on Tuesday, and one sank.