Drones hit container ship off Bulgaria, crew safe and ashore

Key Points:

• A Greek container ship sailing under the Liberian flag was struck by sea drones off Bulgaria's Black Sea coast, about 21 miles southeast of Shabla, causing significant damage and listing according to a maritime security source.
• The attack occurred within Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone, an area where Bulgaria has sole rights to manage resources, and the 18 crew members were safely evacuated to shore.
• This incident is part of a series of drone attacks on merchant vessels in the region, which have likely resulted in the deaths of around two dozen international seafarers and have targeted at least six ships.
• Bulgaria, an EU and NATO member, has condemned the attacks and sought allied support to enhance maritime security, while Ukraine blames Russia for the strikes, which Moscow denies.
• Turkey has also expressed concern, warning both Russia and Ukraine against targeting commercial vessels in the Black Sea and reserving the right to take legal action over such attacks.