A Greek container ship has sunk after being hit by naval drones off Bulgaria on Wednesday, the Bulgarian government said, in the latest of a series of strikes in the western Black Sea this month that have raised concerns about the widening scope of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
CONTSHIP JET (Credits: Insurance Journal)
CONTSHIP JET Sinks: Drone Attack In Bulgarian Waters
The Liberian-flagged CONTSHIP JET, loaded with 421 containers, was badly damaged by three sea drones as it passed through Bulgaria’s Exclusive Economic Zone — outside its territorial waters — en route from Haifa in Israel to Constanța in Romania.
The crew of 14 Filipinos and four Ukrainians were all rescued and transferred safely to the Bulgarian port of Varna, Contships Management said. Video footage verified by Reuters showed a sea drone driving alongside the vessel before turning towards its hull, followed by an explosion that caused the ship to list.
Russian Drone Suspected As Black Sea Attacks Escalate
It was not immediately clear who carried out the attack. Ambrey, a global maritime risk management firm, said the unmanned surface vehicle was likely a variant of the Russian Murena-300S design, remotely controlled. Moscow has denied involvement in recent attacks. Bulgaria, an EU and NATO member, has sought assistance to bolster security off its Black Sea coast.
At least six ships have been attacked by drones off Bulgaria this month, and about two dozen seafarers are feared dead, according to government statements. Initial inspections found no visible pollution from the ship, whose cargo included lithium-ion batteries, corrosive liquids and acids, and industrial components.
Source: Insurance Journal — read the full story there.
