Drones sink cargo ships in NATO economic zones, EU responds

<p>Drones sank two cargo ships and damaged a third in the exclusive economic zones of NATO member countries for the first time, resulting in the deaths of at least two sailors. The attacks mark a significant escalation as Black Sea commercial shipping has increasingly faced threats during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with accusations directed at Russia for engaging in "hybrid warfare" incidents across Europe.</p><p>The Togo-flagged cargo ship <em>Alfa Watan</em> sank, while the Palau-flagged cargo ship <em>Able</em> was set ablaze after being attacked by multiple sea and aerial drones approximately 80 miles (128 kilometers) off the coast of Bulgaria on October 6, according to the Associated Press. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev characterized the incidents as "an unacceptable attack in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone" and "a blatant violation of international law and maritime law."</p><p>The fate of the crew of the <em>Alfa Watan</em> was not immediately known following the vessel's sinking. A Bulgarian ferry successfully evacuated the 18 crew members of the <em>Able</em>, with two severely injured mariners transported to a hospital in Varna.</p>