Romania and Bulgaria Investigate Surge of Suspected Drone Attacks on Black Sea Tankers

Romanian authorities have launched an investigation into a potential drone strike on the Comoros-flagged tanker Yara J, which was anchored off the coast of Sulina near the Ukrainian border. While the vessel was empty at the time of the incident, the crew successfully extinguished a fire on board. The Romanian Ministry of Defence confirmed that two F-18 jets were scrambled to monitor air targets in the vicinity, underscoring the heightened state of alert as maritime security in the region continues to deteriorate.

This incident follows a series of aggressive strikes in Bulgarian waters, where two ships were sunk earlier this week, leaving 11 crew members missing. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev noted that while evidence points toward Russian involvement, definitive proof remains elusive. "There is no logic in Ukraine attacking its own ships and crews, given that the outcome of all these attacks favours Russia," Radev stated. Rescue operations for the missing sailors are ongoing, with four survivors already transported to the port of Varna in stable condition.

The recent escalation has drawn sharp focus to the vulnerability of commercial shipping lanes and critical infrastructure in the Black Sea. These attacks represent a significant spillover from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, challenging the efficacy of existing maritime security protocols. The incidents have prompted Bulgaria to formally request international assistance and increased NATO support to bolster surveillance and response capabilities against unmanned aerial threats that now frequently penetrate regional airspace.

In response to the mounting instability, the European Union is under pressure to accelerate its Black Sea Security Strategy, which was unveiled in May 2025 to protect maritime corridors and subsea assets. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has previously identified the region as a primary target for hybrid warfare. The proposed Black Sea Maritime Security Hub, intended to coordinate coast-guard cooperation and analyze sensor data, is now viewed as a critical necessity to prevent further disruption to global trade and regional stability.