Bulgarian prime minister says 2 commercial vessels hit by drones in economic zone

Two commercial cargo vessels were struck by unmanned aerial drones within Bulgaria’s declared economic zone in the Black Sea, prompting immediate concerns for maritime security and commercial losses. Both ships suffered damage severe enough to halt operations, and several crew members were reported missing. Shipping companies operating in the region face potential financial impact, while the safety of the sailors has become the primary humanitarian focus. International observers are watching the incidents closely as they could reshape risk assessments for Black Sea routes.

The Bulgarian prime minister publicly confirmed the drone strikes, a statement carried by AP News. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen labeled the attacks on civilian shipping as unacceptable, as reported by Reuters, reinforcing the Union’s stance on maritime safety. Politico and the BBC both noted that sailors are missing after the fresh attacks, underscoring the human toll. Euronews added that search operations for the missing crew are underway, indicating that authorities are actively responding to the situation. The coordinated coverage underscores both political condemnation and on‑ground rescue efforts.

Coverage does not specify the drones’ origin, the exact number of crew members missing, or the condition of the vessels after impact, leaving key facts unresolved for investigators. Further technical data and attribution remain unavailable.