Two commercial vessels were attacked by drones in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, in an incident that has heightened concerns about maritime security in the region.
Bulgaria’s Prime Minister, Rumen Radev, said the attacks occurred about 70 to 80 miles off the Bulgarian coast.
One of the vessels, the Togo-flagged Alfa Watan, suffered serious damage and sank following the attack. At the time of initial reports, the fate of its crew was unknown. Bulgarian authorities later halted the search and rescue operation after finding no signs of survivors.
The second vessel, the Palau-flagged Able, was also hit and caught fire. Bulgarian authorities said all 18 members of its crew were rescued. Two sailors suffered serious injuries and were taken to hospital.
The Able was reportedly carrying wheat and was sailing south, while the Alfa Watan was travelling north.
Bulgarian officials condemned the incident, describing the attack as a serious violation of international and maritime law.
The origin of the drones has not been independently established. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of carrying out the attacks as part of efforts to make the western Black Sea unsafe for navigation.
Russia had not immediately accepted responsibility for the incident.
The attack is significant because it occurred inside Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone. Bulgaria is a member of NATO, and the incident has raised concerns about the possibility of the Russia-Ukraine conflict increasingly affecting commercial shipping around NATO countries.
Bulgaria’s President Iliana Yotova convened a meeting of the country’s Security Council to discuss the risks to maritime security and critical infrastructure.
The attacks could also have wider consequences for international trade. Bulgaria and other Black Sea countries are important routes for grain and other commodities moving through the region.
The attacks come after another commercial vessel was targeted in the Black Sea near Romania, highlighting a growing pattern of incidents involving merchant ships.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the attacks on civilian shipping, saying commercial vessels and innocent crews should not be targeted.
For shipping companies, the latest incidents could lead to higher insurance premiums and additional security measures for vessels operating in the Black Sea.
The development also highlights the growing role of drones in modern maritime warfare. Unmanned aerial and surface vessels are increasingly being used to attack targets at sea, creating new challenges for commercial ships that normally operate without military protection.
Maritime authorities are now facing increased pressure to protect shipping routes and prevent the conflict from causing further disruption to international trade.
