Two Ships Attacked by Drones off the Bulgarian Coast, One Sinks

Reform.news Editorial Team · 13 October 2026, 09:44

https://reform.news/en/two-ships-attacked-by-drones-off-the-bulgarian-coast-one-sinks/

Two merchant vessels were damaged in drone strikes overnight. This was reported by BGNES following a meeting of the country’s Security Council.

The Maltese cargo ship CHELSEA 3 was attacked by three drones approximately 18 nautical miles east of Byala. All 15 crew members were evacuated and taken to Varna, including seven Ukrainian nationals and eight Azerbaijani nationals. Five sailors required medical assistance for minor injuries. CHELSEA 3 sails under the Maltese flag and is registered in Odesa.

Another vessel sank 17 nautical miles east of Krapets. One sailor was reported rescued. No information was provided about the vessel’s ownership or the fate of the remaining crew members.

Prime Minister Rumen Radev announced that the Russian ambassador would be summoned. The Bulgarian prime minister also plans to speak with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

A week ago, two merchant vessels were attacked in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone. The dry cargo ship ALFA WATAN sustained serious damage and sank. Another vessel, the bulk carrier ABLE, sailing under the flag of Palau, caught fire. Its 18 crew members were evacuated.