Two Cargo Vessels Struck by Drones, Black Sea
Issued: 17 hours ago
| Date | Reference | Region | Category | Aggressors | Source |
| 2026-10-12 22:30:00 | CWD Notification 006- (Oct 26) | Europe | OSINT | Military | OPEN SOURCE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| It has been reported that two cargo vessels were struck by aerial drones in the Black Sea off the coast of Bulgaria during the early hours of 13 October 2026 (exact times and positions not specified), in incidents that Bulgarian authorities state occurred outside the country's territorial waters. The first vessel, a coastal freighter, was struck by three drones whilst underway approximately 18nm east of Byala, Bulgaria, at approximately 0130 local time. All fifteen crew members were safely evacuated and transferred to the port of Varna; five crew members sustained minor injuries requiring medical treatment. The second vessel, a cargo ship, was struck whilst transiting towards Braila, Romania, approximately 17nm east of Krapets, Bulgaria. The vessel subsequently sank. Preliminary reports indicate five crew members have been rescued, with eleven crew members reported missing at the time of writing. Bulgarian authorities have not formally attributed responsibility for either incident, although officials have stated that the outcome logically benefits the Russian Federation. The Bulgarian Prime Minister has summoned the Russian Ambassador for discussions. No party has publicly claimed responsibility, and investigations are ongoing. | |||||