Breaking news. Bulgarian PM condemns drone attack as ‘absolutely unacceptable’ while search for missing crew continues

News: Bulgarian PM condemns drone attack in Black Sea

Poinews.com – news Bulgarian PM condemns drone attack after two commercial vessels were struck in the Black Sea, with one ship sinking and crew members still missing. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev called the incident “absolutely unacceptable” as authorities continued their response in waters within Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone.

The attack took place at about 3am local time on Tuesday, or 1am CET, around 70 nautical miles east of Byala on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast. The reported location has heightened concern because the vessels were operating in an area where Bulgaria holds defined economic and maritime rights.

“Such an attack within the Bulgarian exclusive economic zone is absolutely unacceptable.”

Radev made the remarks during an emergency meeting called in response to the strikes. He said the commercial vessels were targeted by both sea-based and airborne drones, describing the episode as a flagrant violation of maritime law.

Commercial vessels hit in Bulgaria’s Black Sea zone

The news Bulgarian PM condemns drone attack story has drawn attention to the risks facing civilian shipping in the Black Sea. While the two ships were commercial vessels, officials have not publicly identified the people responsible for the strikes or disclosed what may have motivated the attack.

One of the vessels sank after being hit. The fate of crew members from that ship remains a central concern, as search efforts continue in the area. Authorities have not released further information about the number of missing people, the identities of the vessels or the full extent of damage to the second ship.

The incident occurred in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone, an area that is distinct from the country’s territorial waters. A coastal state has specific rights over economic activity and resources within its exclusive economic zone, but the area remains important for international navigation and commercial maritime traffic.

For shipping companies and crews, security at sea depends on reliable routes and the expectation that civilian vessels can travel without being targeted. An attack involving aerial and maritime drones raises wider questions about safety across the Black Sea, particularly for ships operating far from the coast.

Search continues for crew from sunken ship

Efforts to locate missing crew members remain the most urgent part of the response. The distance from the coast, combined with the timing of the attack during the night, may make operations more difficult. Search activity at sea can also be affected by changing weather, visibility and conditions on the water.

The reported position of the ships, roughly 70 nautical miles east of Byala, means responders must work across a large area of the Black Sea. No additional details have been made public about the rescue operation, including which authorities are involved or whether any crew members have been found.

Radev’s emergency meeting reflected the seriousness with which Bulgaria is treating the attack. His condemnation focused on the location of the strikes and the fact that commercial shipping was targeted within Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone.

The news Bulgarian PM condemns drone attack message also underlines the lack of confirmed attribution. Although officials said both sea-based and airborne drones were used, the available information does not establish who launched them. Investigators will need to assess the vessels’ positions, the sequence of events and any evidence recovered from the area.

Maritime security questions remain unanswered

The attack has created an immediate humanitarian emergency because crew members remain missing, while also raising broader concerns over Black Sea maritime security. Commercial routes rely on stable conditions, and violence against civilian ships can affect crews, operators and coastal authorities beyond the vessels directly involved.

Bulgaria’s response is likely to remain focused on finding those missing and establishing how the attack unfolded. Until more official information is released, key questions remain unanswered: who was responsible, why the vessels were targeted and whether further security measures may be considered for commercial traffic in the area.

For now, the confirmed facts are limited but serious: two commercial ships were hit by drones, one vessel sank, crew members remain unaccounted for and Bulgaria’s prime minister has condemned the attack as unacceptable.

FAQ: Bulgarian Black Sea drone attack

Where did the drone attack take place?

The vessels were reportedly attacked around 70 nautical miles east of Byala, in Bulgaria’s Black Sea exclusive economic zone.

Were the ships military vessels?

No. The available information describes both ships as commercial vessels.

What happened to the crews?

One ship sank and some crew members remained missing. Search efforts were continuing, but officials had not released further details about the number of people involved.

Has anyone been blamed for the attack?

No public attribution had been made. Authorities had not identified who carried out the drone strike.