The Liberian-flagged, Greek-managed container ship Contship Jet has sunk after being hit by three sea drones off the Bulgarian coast, according to reports published on 29 October. The attack took place on Wednesday, 28 October.

The ship, carrying 421 containers, was in Bulgaria's Exclusive Economic Zone, outside territorial waters, about 21 nautical miles off Shabla, near Cape Kaliakra. It was en route from Haifa in Israel to Constanta in Romania when it was struck.

Crew rescued, attacker not identified

All 18 crew members were rescued and taken to Varna: 14 Filipinos and 4 Ukrainians. No casualties were reported for this ship. The attacker has not been identified, and no attribution should be assumed from the location alone.

At least six ships have been attacked by drones off Bulgaria this month, in a series of incidents that has raised alarm about Black Sea shipping. About two dozen seafarers are feared dead across those wider incidents, according to government statements, although figures differ between reports of the dead and missing.

Cargo and pollution checks

The Contship Jet's cargo included lithium-ion batteries, corrosive liquids and acids, and industrial components. Initial inspections on 29 October found no visible traces of pollution. Bulgaria, an EU and NATO member, has sought assistance to bolster Black Sea coast security, and the incident occurred as the Bulgarian, Romanian and Turkish defence ministers met in Sofia.

Sources: Reuters; Nagaland Post.