Two ships ablaze in Romanian Black Sea waters, 7 sailors missing

Romanian naval authorities are combing the Black Sea for seven missing crew members from two chemical tankers that went up in flames overnight. The incident occurred near the mouth of the Danube River, a crucial shipping route that Ukraine relies on as Russia attacks their own Black Sea ports. Romanian officials have not directly linked the fires to the recent Russian drone incursions that targeted at least five other cargo ships in the region over the past 10 days, resulting in the loss of 23 sailors.

Both ships involved in the overnight blaze were anchored near the Sulina Canal, where vessels typically wait due to weather or congestion. Romanian naval officials have dispatched two Black Hawk helicopters and two ships equipped with medical staff to aid in the rescue mission, but the operation is proving challenging due to rough sea conditions. The interior ministry has also sent two ships to assist with the search and rescue efforts.