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Three commercial ships struck by drones near Romania’s Black Sea coast over two days
Three commercial ships were struck by drones near Romania’s Black Sea coast on 13 and 14 November, damaging a cargo vessel bound for Ukraine and setting two other ships alight. No one was reported injured, but the incidents heightened concern about risks to commercial shipping near Romanian territory.
The Palau-flagged Larissa 1 was hit about 12 kilometres off the coast on 13 November, sustaining damage to a cargo crane. The next evening, the Greek-flagged tanker Evia Petrol V and bulk carrier Marsol were struck near Sulina; crews extinguished fires on both vessels. Romanian authorities said the drones’ origin was unknown, and the incidents prompted alerts in Tulcea County and the deployment of two F-16s after an aerial target was detected east of Snake Island.
In short
- Three ships were struck near Romania over two days.
- Two vessels caught fire, but crews put out the flames.
- Authorities have not identified where the drones came from.
Explained simply
The Black Sea is an important route for carrying goods, including grain and fuel, between Ukraine and international markets. Romania’s coast lies beside Ukraine, and the Danube reaches the sea near the Romanian port of Sulina.
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Black Sea has been a key area in the conflict. Attacks and military activity there can put civilian crews and shipping at risk, even when a vessel is travelling for commercial reasons.
Romania is a NATO member, and its authorities monitor the airspace and waters near the coast. The drones’ origin has not been established, so the incidents do not by themselves show who was responsible.