A drone attack off Bulgaria's Black Sea coast resulted in one vessel sinking and another sustaining damage, Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev announced. The incident occurred approximately 18 nautical miles (33km) from Bulgarian shores early Tuesday morning.

The targeted vessel, the Ukrainian-owned Chelsea 3, was sailing under a Maltese flag and was struck by three drones. Its 15-man crew, composed of seven Ukrainians and eight Azerbaijanis, were successfully rescued. While five crew members required medical attention, none sustained serious injuries. Authorities confirmed that one crew member from the sunken vessel was also rescued.

Prime Minister Radev described the attack as "absolutely unacceptable," noting its proximity to Bulgarian territorial waters. He stated his intention to discuss the matter with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. Although Radev indicated there was no definitive evidence identifying the perpetrators, he suggested that "the outcome benefits" Russia and announced that the Russian ambassador would be summoned for an explanation.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen strongly condemned the attacks, calling the Black Sea "another front of escalation of the Russian war in Ukraine." She emphasized the danger posed to seafarers and the threat to Black Sea security, vowing support for Bulgaria and calling for those responsible to be held accountable.

This incident highlights growing concerns about hybrid warfare tactics in the region. Bulgaria, as a member of NATO, occupies a significant strategic position on the Black Sea, a waterway crucial for both Russia and Ukraine. The attacks underscore the increasing risks faced by commercial shipping in the area.

Last week, two other ships were reportedly targeted by drones off the Bulgarian coast, with one of those vessels sinking. Information regarding the crew of that previously sunken ship indicated that all 10 members remained unaccounted for.

The Bulgarian Border Police were involved in rescue operations, with a vessel seen carrying crew members from the damaged ship in Varna. The attacks continue to raise questions about the security of maritime routes and the potential for further escalation in the Black Sea region.

Officials are investigating the exact circumstances and perpetrators of the drone strikes, with diplomatic channels being utilized to address the escalating tensions.