Stories
Seven Indians Rescued After Drone Strikes Sink and Damage Ships Off Bulgaria
- •Seven Indian nationals were among 18 crew members rescued after drone strikes hit two commercial vessels in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea.
- •The Palau-flagged Able caught fire during the attack, prompting its crew of 11 Turks and seven Indians to abandon ship before being rescued by a Bulgarian ferry.
- •The Togo-flagged Alfa Watan suffered critical structural damage and sank, leaving its crew missing as an active search and rescue operation continues.
- •Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev condemned the attacks as an unacceptable violation of international and maritime law, noting it is the first such incident in Bulgaria's economic zone.
- •European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also condemned the attacks, highlighting the escalating risks to commercial shipping amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Key Questions Answered
Two commercial vessels were struck by drones in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea. The Palau-flagged vessel Able caught fire and was badly damaged before its 18 crew members—including seven Indian nationals—were rescued, while the Togo-flagged Alfa Watan suffered critical structural damage and sank.
Seven Indian nationals were among the 18 crew members aboard the damaged vessel Able who were successfully rescued after abandoning ship. Two of the rescued sailors were hospitalized in Varna for a head injury and burns, while search operations continued for the missing crew of the Alfa Watan.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev described the attack inside Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone as an absolutely unacceptable violation of international and maritime law. He noted that it was the first reported attack on shipping within the country's exclusive economic zone.
