Two chemical tankers caught fire in Romanian territorial waters off the Black Sea, prompting search and rescue operations for seven missing crew members. The incidents occurred near the mouth of the Sulina Canal, a key route leading from the Danube River to the Black Sea, following sightings of Russian drones in Romanian airspace.
The Romanian naval authority responded after receiving an emergency alert from the San Marino-flagged tanker Wine Trader, where seven of its 12 crew members were reported missing while five were safe. Earlier on the same day, another chemical and oil tanker, the Comoros-flagged Yara J, also caught fire in the region, though all of its crew members are confirmed safe.
Details on the Fires and Ongoing Investigation
Both ships were anchored near the Sulina Canal, commonly used as an anchorage point to wait out delays caused by weather or congestion. While Romanian officials have not explicitly confirmed the cause of the fires, the incidents followed recent intrusions of Russian unmanned drones into Romanian airspace. Defense Minister Radu Miruta emphasized the seriousness of the situation, noting that an investigation is underway to determine whether drones caused the damage.
Context of Rising Tensions and Maritime Attacks in the Black Sea
The fires come amid a recent surge in drone strikes against cargo ships navigating the Black Sea, including several off the coasts of Romania and neighboring Bulgaria, both NATO member states. These attacks have led to at least 23 sailor deaths over the past ten days. Romania, which shares a significant border with Ukraine along the Danube, has reported repeated violations of its airspace by Russian drones during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Ukrainian vessels often use river and Black Sea routes near Romania and Bulgaria as their ports face attacks, increasing the strategic importance and risks in this maritime corridor. The disruption has also greatly hindered grain exports from both Ukraine and Russia, countries critical to global cereal supply.
International Responses and Next Steps
On Thursday, Bulgarian leadership indicated that the European Union would discuss a proposed moratorium on attacks against civilian ships in the Black Sea at its summit in Brussels. Following a recent drone attack that sank a ship off Bulgaria’s coast, Bulgarian officials summoned the Russian ambassador in protest.
Romanian authorities continue their search and rescue efforts for the missing crew while investigations into the incidents remain active. The maritime security situation in the Black Sea region continues to be a matter of significant concern amidst ongoing conflict and geopolitical tensions.
