The Guardian
Black Sea ship attacks escalate amid suspected Russian drone strikes
Six attacks in 10 days involving suspected Russian drones have escalated maritime conflict in the Black Sea. The Turkish-owned cargo ship Alfa Watan, bound for Romania’s port of Sulina, was hit in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone. The Bulgarian ferry Dioscuria found an overturned lifeboat and lifejackets at the scene, but no sign of the cargo ship’s 10 crew members.
What to know
- 01
The attack occurred in the early hours of 6 October, 70 miles off the Bulgarian coastal town of Byala.
- 02
Alfa Watan was struck by suspected Russian air and naval drones; the Dioscuria crew first became aware of the attack through a distant explosion.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the impact of the Black Sea maritime conflict on ships operating near Bulgaria.
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