Containership Struck Off Bulgaria as Ministers Meet to Increase Security

A Greek-owned containership operating a route for Zim was struck off Bulgaria midday on Wednesday, October 28, with the Bulgarian Navy rescuing the crew. The latest attack on commercial shipping in the western Black Sea came as the ministers from Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey were meeting to coordinate their security efforts.

The ministers issued a statement calling for “an immediate halt to attacks that threaten commercial vessels, maritime infrastructure, and the safety of maritime activities.” They said they believe the risks grow each day and said they were committed to working together to increase security.

Evidence of the increased risks was announced by the Bulgarian Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov, who reported that a rescue operation was underway in the Black Sea. He said that a French maritime patrol aircraft flying over the western part of the Black Sea had provided information to the Naval forces’ operation center. Reuters reported yesterday that France had relocated its Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft to an air base in Romania as of October 18 and it would be conducting surveillance missions until November 6.

The Bulgarian Navy reports that the containership Contship Jet was struck by a surface drone at approximately noon while the vessel was 17 miles east of Cape Kaliakra near Varna. The Navy sent three vessels, along with one vessel from the Border Police. Reports say the 18,000 dwt containership was struck by three drones, which started a fire and left the vessel with a heavy list.

This story was originally published by The Maritime Executive. Read the full story at The Maritime Executive →