European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has expressed concern over Russia's escalating actions in the Black Sea following an attack on a civilian vessel with Ukrainian and Azerbaijani crew members off the coast of Romania, which left one sailor dead and three others missing.
"Deeply alarmed by yet another Russian escalation in the Black Sea. A civilian vessel carrying Ukrainian and Azerbaijani crew has been struck off the coast of Romania. These reckless attacks target innocent lives and openly defy international law," von der Leyen wrote on X.
She expressed her condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased sailor, as well as to the families of the three crew members who remain missing, and thanked the rescue teams involved in the search operation.
A Comoros-flagged commercial vessel capsized in the Black Sea approximately 24 kilometres from the Romanian port of Constanța, reportedly after being struck by a drone. Coast Guard representatives said that units of Romania's Ministry of Internal Affairs were participating in the search and rescue operation for those missing following the incident.
"The commercial vessel sustained serious damage and capsized, creating an imminent risk of sinking. Of the 13 people on board, ten were recovered by another commercial vessel in the area: nine were alive and one was confirmed dead. Three others remain missing," Coast Guard representatives stated.
