SOFIA, Bulgaria - Eight Azerbaijani sailors were among 15 crew members rescued after drones struck a merchant ship near Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast on October 13, Bulgarian authorities said.
The Maltese-flagged Chelsea 3 was about 18 nautical miles east of Byala when it was hit by three drones, according to Vesti Baku. Its crew included eight citizens of Azerbaijan and seven Ukrainians.
All 15 sailors were evacuated. Five received treatment for minor injuries, Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev said, according to The Associated Press. Authorities did not immediately specify the nationalities of those injured.
Second Ship Sank
A second vessel was attacked about 17 nautical miles east of Krapets and sank. Bulgarian authorities said one crew member was rescued but did not immediately release complete information about the people aboard.
Radev called the attacks unacceptable and said Bulgaria would seek international assistance in determining where the drones came from. He said authorities did not yet have clear evidence identifying the perpetrator.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha blamed Russia and called for greater pressure on Moscow. That allegation represents Ukraine’s position and had not been confirmed by Bulgaria’s investigation at the time of publication.
The incident renewed concerns about the safety of commercial shipping in the western Black Sea after another drone attack in the area a week earlier.
Sources: Vesti Baku; The Associated Press; Reuters.