2 ships ablaze off Romanian Black Sea coast, search on for missing sailors

Two chemical tankers caught fire overnight off the Romanian Black Sea coast, leading to a search for seven missing crew members. Romanian President Nicusor Dan stated that Russian drones were responsible for the strikes, though he did not specify if the ships were Russian. Romania, an EU member state, is awaiting more information from authorities.

The two ships were anchored near the Sulina canal, a significant shipping route used by Ukraine as Russia has attacked its Black Sea ports. One tanker was within Romanian waters, while the other was just outside. This incident follows drone strikes on at least five other cargo ships near Romania and neighboring Bulgaria in the past ten days, resulting in at least 23 sailor deaths.

Romanian naval officials have deployed two Black Hawk helicopters and two rescue ships for the ongoing search and rescue mission, but safety concerns due to strong waves have delayed the operation. Meanwhile, a Comorian chemical tanker named Yara J also caught fire 8-10 miles southeast of Sulina, with all crew members safe. The Romanian government has expressed concern over the increasing attacks on Black Sea shipping, which could potentially trigger a global food crisis, as Ukraine and Romania are major grain exporters.

Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu emphasized the critical importance of the Black Sea as a global food artery, while Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev suggested discussing a moratorium on attacks on civilian ships during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.