Drone sinks Ukrainian-owned ship off Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, Bulgarian Prime Minister says
A Ukrainian-owned ship was sunk by drones off the Bulgarian coast, marking the second such incident in a week. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev has condemned the attack and plans to consult with NATO leadership regarding the security threat.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the escalating risk of hybrid warfare and maritime insecurity in the Black Sea region, potentially drawing NATO members into direct conflict.
Two ships were hit by drones off Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, and one of them sank, in the second such incident in a week, Prime Minister Rumen Radev said on Tuesday (October 13, 2026).
The Ukrainian-owned “Chelsea 3,” sailing under the Maltese flag, was hit by three drones some 18 nautical miles (33 km) off the Bulgarian coast around 1:30 a.m. (2230 GMT), Mr. Radev said. Its crew — seven Ukrainians and eight Azerbaijanis — had been rescued. Five crew members received medical assistance, but no one was seriously injured.
One crew member of the sunken ship had also been rescued, Mr. Radev said.
“This is absolutely unacceptable — another attack in the immediate vicinity of Bulgarian territorial waters,” Mr. Radev said in a televised address. “I am due to speak with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.”
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