Authorities are investigating whether drones may have been involved in the latest incident. A ship anchored in Romania’s territorial waters caught fire, and the crew has been evacuated, according to Romanian authorities. The incident occurs amid growing concerns over hybrid attacks in the Black Sea involving Russia. Romanian Defence Minister Radu Miruta stated on Wednesday that it was unclear whether a drone had hit the ship, identified as the Comoros-flagged chemical and oil tanker Yara J, and that an investigation was pending. Multiple drones breached Romanian airspace on Wednesday near its border with Ukraine. On Tuesday, two ships were hit in drone attacks off Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, with one of them sinking, as reported by Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev. Radev noted that there was no clear evidence of who carried out the attack, but stated that 'the outcome benefits' Russia and that the Russian ambassador would be summoned over the incident. Earlier this month, a grain ship caught fire and sank outside Romania’s territorial waters. Ukraine blamed Russian drones for the incident, which resulted in two fatalities and 11 rescues. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described it as 'a horrific strike by two Russian drones on a civilian vessel in neutral waters carrying corn and owned by Turkiye' on social media. Some view incursions by Russian drones into Eastern European airspace as a test of NATO and the European Union’s defenses and response capabilities. Romania, a NATO member, shares a land border with Ukraine. Since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war, drones have breached Romanian airspace, while floating mines in the Black Sea pose threats to key trade and energy routes. Last Wednesday, Bulgaria’s President Iliana Iotova announced plans to invite Romania and Turkiye for consultations on ensuring the security of merchant ships in the Black Sea. On October 6, two ships were hit in a drone attack in Bulgaria’s Black Sea exclusive economic zone, resulting in one sinking and the other being damaged. The crew of the damaged ship was rescued, but the crew of the sunken vessel remains missing, with Bulgarian authorities concluding search operations after confirming no survivors were found.
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Ship Catches Fire in Romania's Territorial Waters Amid Black Sea Tensions
A ship, the Yara J, caught fire in Romania's territorial waters, prompting an investigation into possible drone involvement. This incident follows multiple drone attacks in the Black Sea region, raising concerns about security and hybrid warfare, particularly in light of ongoing tensions with Russia. Romanian and Bulgarian officials are discussing maritime security measures in response to these developments.
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Ship catches fire in Romania’s waters amid rising attacks in the Black Sea
Ship Catches Fire in Romania's Territorial Waters Amid Black Sea Tensions