Two tankers ablaze near Romania’s Black Sea coast after drones strike, leaving seven sailors missing

Two tankers hit near Romania

The strikes hit two tankers near Romania’s Black Sea coast and set them on fire. Seven crew members from the Wine Trader, a San Marino-flagged vessel travelling from Tunisia to Romania, were reported missing.

The Yara J was hit late on Wednesday just inside Romanian waters. Its entire crew was safe, according to the report.

Romanian president condemns attacks

Romanian president Nicușor Dan described the situation in the Black Sea as serious. He said commercial vessels were being attacked and sunk, with seafarers killed, injured or missing close to Romania and Bulgaria.

Dan said the two tankers had been struck by drones, but did not identify who was responsible. He wrote on X that the attacks were unacceptable and had to stop.

Responsibility remains disputed

A NATO source said the drones came from Russia. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the alliance would work with its Black Sea allies and adjust its deterrence and defence posture as needed. Bulgaria’s president, Radev, said the attack’s results favoured Russia, but added there was no solid evidence that the drones were Russian.

Wider risks to shipping

Russia has intensified bombing of Ukraine’s Black Sea infrastructure. Ukraine has turned to Danube river ports and Black Sea routes near Romania and Bulgaria to export grain, sunflower oil and other products.