Romania probes possible drone attack on tanker in its Black Sea territorial waters
The incidents have renewed scrutiny of Europe's ability to protect shipping and critical infrastructure in the Black Sea, more than a year after the EU launched a strategy to strengthen security in the region.
Romania is investigating a potential drone attack on a tanker in its Black Sea territorial waters, after suspected Russian drones struck several vessels off the coasts of Romania and Bulgaria since last week. Rescuers rushed to aid the Comoros Islands-flagged Yara J, which was engulfed in flames overnight off Sulina, near the border with Ukraine.
The ship's crew successfully extinguished the fire. Defence Minister Radu Miruta stated that an investigation is ongoing, emphasizing the gravity of the incident given its occurrence in Romanian territorial waters. The VesselFinder tracking website identified the Yara J as a chemical/oil products tanker, which was empty when docked off Sulina for several days.
Romanian F-18 jets were scrambled after detecting air targets off the Black Sea. Bulgaria also suspects Russia as the culprit behind drone attacks on four ships in the Black Sea last week, resulting in the sinking of two, but cannot confirm Moscow's involvement. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev called for international assistance and NATO support to enhance surveillance and response capabilities against such attacks.
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