Ship sinks, crew missing after Black Sea drone attack


At about 3:00 am on Friday, a Turkish‑owned cargo ship, the Alfa Watan, was hit by a drone 70 miles from the coastal town of Byala, Bulgaria. The ship, flagged in Togo, sank with its crew presumed missing.


A second vessel, the grain‑laden Able flagged in Palau, was also struck within the Bulgarian exclusive economic zone. All 18 crew members were rescued, though two were injured by an onboard fire.


Prime Minister Rumen Radev described the strike as a “flagrant violation of maritime law” and called for a global conflict to be avoided. Russia has not commented on the incident, but its war against Ukraine continues to fuel tensions in the Black Sea.



  • Alfa Watan: Turkish-owned cargo ship, Togo flag, sunk with crew missing.

  • Able: Grain vessel, Palau flag, rescued with 18 crew, 2 injured.

  • Attack occurred within Bulgaria’s 29,000 sq‑km exclusive economic zone.

  • Conflict context: Russia’s intensified strikes against Ukraine, heightened regional risks.


Rescue team with a man wrapped in a white blanket after the Black Sea drone attack
Map showing last known position of the Alfa Watan between Romania and Bulgaria