Bulgaria intends to raise the Black Sea issue at all EU forums

Two merchant ships were attacked by sea and air drones in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea. One ship sank, the second ship's crew of 18 people was evacuated. This was announced by Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev, writes BTA.

The attack occurred around 3:00 a.m. about 70 nautical miles east of the town of Byala. The targets were the bulk carriers Alfa Watan, flagged to Togo, and Able, flagged to Palau. Alfa Watan suffered critical hull damage and sank. The fate of his crew is still unknown. Bulgarian rescuers continue the search operation.

The crew of the nearby Bulgarian ship Dioscuria found an overturned lifeboat, three overturned life rafts and life jackets after the explosion, but no people. A fire started on board Able after the attack. All 18 crew members were evacuated to Dioscuria. Among them are 11 Turkish citizens and seven Indian citizens.

Radev called the incident an “absolutely unacceptable attack” in the country’s exclusive economic zone and a violation of international and maritime law. However, the Bulgarian authorities have not yet established the origin of the drones.