Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev described the drone attacks on two merchant vessels in the country’s exclusive economic zone as “absolutely unacceptable”.
According to The Sofia Globe, Radev said the drone attacks on October 6, which caused one commercial vessel to sink and another to catch fire in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone, constituted a serious violation of international and maritime law.
He added that both maritime and aerial drones were involved in the attack, which he said had been categorically confirmed by the vessels’ crews.
Radev said the first vessel, the Togo-flagged Alfa Watan, had sunk and that a search for its crew was under way.
The Bulgarian vessel DIOSCURIA was in the area and witnessed the explosion on the first ship. It headed to the scene but found only one overturned boat, three overturned life rafts and life jackets.
“No people from the first vessel were found; the crew is missing,” he said.
“As far as we know, the second vessel, the Palau-flagged Able, was carrying wheat and heading south, while the first vessel was heading north. We do not know what cargo it was carrying,” Radev said.
“Reconnaissance is currently under way to determine whether there has been a fuel spill or environmental pollution. Our most important task is to conduct search and rescue operations, as we are responsible for the safety, lives and health of everyone within our economic zone. If the war is not stopped in time, it will continue to expand geographically and increase the risk of a global conflict,” Radev said.
According to him, it is clear that the war is becoming increasingly intense, with international law being violated and civilian vessels coming under attack.
“The current situation is making navigation in the Black Sea extremely difficult and further increasing insurance costs,” the Bulgarian prime minister said.
