Drone Attack Sets Tanker Ablaze Off Romania, Eight Crew Missing

A drone attack set the San Marino-flagged tanker Wine Trader ablaze off Romania’s Black Sea coast on Thursday, leaving eight of its 12 crew members missing, according to Romanian naval authorities. The vessel was sailing from Tunisia to Romania when it reported several explosions at around 7 a.m. local time. Romanian President Nicușor Dan confirmed that the tanker had been struck by drones. A search-and-rescue operation involving two Black Hawk helicopters and two rescue boats is underway in rough seas, with authorities prioritising the rescue of the four crew members confirmed to be alive.

The incident comes amid a series of drone attacks targeting vessels in the western Black Sea. Romanian authorities also reported detecting Russian drones near Ukraine’s Snake Island overnight. Earlier this week, two merchant ships were struck off Bulgaria’s coast, with one sinking and 11 crew members reported missing. Bulgaria has expressed suspicions about Russian involvement in that attack. Meanwhile, Russia says it is targeting vessels carrying military supplies to Ukrainian ports, while Ukraine and its European allies accuse Moscow of attacking merchant ships carrying civilian goods.

Romanian and Bulgarian leaders are expected to discuss growing maritime security threats with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels, including whether to invoke Article 4 of the NATO treaty, which allows member states to consult allies when their security is threatened. Romanian President Dan said his country would respond once the circumstances were fully established. The escalating attacks have raised concerns over the safety of commercial shipping through the Black Sea, a crucial route for grain exports and other trade amid Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.

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