Seven crew missing after drone attack leaves tanker ablaze off Romania's coast

Key Points:

• Seven of the 12 crew members are missing after a drone attack set the chemical tanker Wine Trader ablaze off Romania's coast, with a search and rescue operation underway involving helicopters and boats.
• The San Marino-flagged Wine Trader, empty of cargo and sailing from Tunisia to Romania, reported explosions after being hit by two drones near the Danube River mouth; another tanker, Yara J, was also struck by a drone the previous day.
• Romanian President Nicușor Dan confirmed the attacks and plans to discuss invoking NATO's Article 4 with Bulgaria's leader and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, amid growing security concerns in the Black Sea region.
• Moscow stated that two cargo ships carrying military supplies to Ukraine's Odesa port were targeted, while Ukraine and European officials blame Russia for escalating drone attacks on civilian and commercial vessels in the Black Sea.
• The Romanian government prioritizes rescuing the four confirmed survivors from the Wine Trader while ensuring the safety of rescue teams facing high waves, as regional leaders seek enhanced protective measures for maritime security.