Three ships struck by drones in Black Sea near Romanian shipping canal, PM says
"These incidents are unacceptable and constitute a violation of international law," Prime Minister Luca Niculescu said. "They reflect the deteriorating security situation caused by Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine."
Three commercial ships were targeted by drones in the Black Sea near Romania's Sulina canal on November 15, according to Prime Minister Luca Niculescu. Defence Minister Stefan Radu Oprea confirmed that the ships were not damaged and managed to extinguish any fires that may have occurred after the drone strikes. The incident is seen as a violation of international law and a sign of the deteriorating security situation caused by Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine.
Oprea stated that no casualties were reported, and the ships' crews successfully controlled the fires. The three ships involved were Greek-flagged oil and chemical tanker Evia Petrol V, bulk carrier Marsol, and oil products tanker Ali Najafov, all flying the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis. One additional general cargo ship, Palau-flagged Larissa 1, was also hit by a drone earlier in the week, with no reported casualties.
Romania's Sulina canal, a crucial shipping route linking the Danube river to the Black Sea, has become a major target in the escalating maritime conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The Sulina canal's strategic importance is further highlighted by the presence of many ships being anchored or sailing to or from the canal in October and November.
Romania's officials have not identified the source of the drones but attributed the incidents to Russia's war in Ukraine.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
