Eleven sailors were reported missing on October 13 after drone attacks struck two commercial vessels off Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, according to reporting citing Bulgarian authorities.
The Guinea-Bissau-flagged cargo vessel HS Dignity reportedly sank after being hit near Bulgaria’s northern coastline. Five crew members were rescued, while 11 others were listed as missing in initial reports, according to Reuters and AFP.
A second vessel, the Maltese-flagged Chelsea 3, was also struck. All 15 people aboard were rescued. Initial reports said five received medical attention; Bulgarian News Agency later reported that three were admitted to hospital with burns and, in one case, a mild traumatic brain injury. The initial description of all injuries as minor should therefore be treated with caution.
Investigation and maritime security
Bulgarian officials condemned the attacks and raised concerns about the safety of civilian shipping. The incidents intensified attention on security in the Black Sea, where commercial traffic has faced risks during the wider Russia–Ukraine war.
Although accusations were made about who carried out the strikes, Bulgarian authorities had not conclusively established responsibility in the initial reporting. Those allegations should not be treated as investigative findings.
The Black Sea is an important route for commercial cargo, including agricultural commodities. Threats to vessels can endanger crews and raise insurance, freight and operating costs.
The missing-sailor figure reflects initial reports from October 13 and may change as search operations and official updates continue.
Image: Pakistan Report Illustration.