Ship sinks off Romania, one sailor dead, three missing after suspected drone strike - media

A drone struck a commercial vessel near Romania's coast in the Black Sea on Friday, resulting in the death of at least one sailor and the disappearance of three others, according to Romanian President Nicușor Dan. The incident occurred approximately 13 nautical miles from the country's territorial waters. The Romanian coast guard managed to rescue nine crew members from the scene.

The ship sustained significant damage and is at risk of capsizing, as reported by the country's Interior Ministry. This marks the latest occurrence of a drone attack on commercial shipping in the Black Sea region. Dan previously informed POLITICO that Russia's motive behind these attacks is to undermine Romania's support for Ukraine in their ongoing war, but he has not wavered in his commitment.

In response to the recurring threat, NATO allies convened on Tuesday to deliberate strategies to safeguard Black Sea shipping lanes, with Romania pledging to receive additional defensive capabilities. Dan emphasized that this incident is part of a wider escalation pattern that Russia is employing in the context of its war against Ukraine.

In the past month, drones have targeted several cargo ships and chemical tankers close to Romania and Bulgaria, both NATO member states, resulting in the tragic loss of over 20 lives.