Two merchant ships hit by drones off Bulgaria, one sinks, and Sofia summons the Russian ambassador
13 October 2026
Two merchant ships were struck by drones in Bulgaria's Black Sea exclusive economic zone, and the HS Dignity, flagged in Guinea-Bissau, sank 17 nautical miles east of Krapets.
Six of its crew were rescued and 10 are missing, Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov said.
The Maltese-flagged, Ukrainian-owned Chelsea-3 was hit about 18 nautical miles off Byala and all 15 crew were rescued.
Prime Minister Rumen Radev summoned Russia's ambassador Eleonora Mitrofanova; he said there was no conclusive evidence of blame on either side but that the outcome benefits Russia.
Bulgarian media quoted Mitrofanova as telling Radev she had no information from Russia's defence ministry on the attacks.
NATO chief Mark Rutte said the alliance would adjust its deterrence posture as needed.
The attacks came a week after two other ships were hit in the same zone, when the Alfa Watan sank.
In plain words
Exclusive economic zone EEZ — Sea area up to 200 nautical miles where a coastal state has rights over resources.
Article 5 Collective defence clause of the NATO treaty — An armed attack on one NATO member is treated as an attack on all.