Seven Crew Members Missing After Drone Strikes Set Black Sea Tankers Ablaze

Romanian President Nicusor Dan confirmed that both vessels had been struck by drones but declined to identify their origin. Speaking in Brussels ahead of a summit of European Union leaders, Dan said only a few hours had passed since the incident and authorities were awaiting further information. He also warned that the Romanian state would respond to the incident, without specifying what measures might be taken.

The incident has heightened security concerns in the Black Sea region, where maritime traffic has faced growing risks amid Russia’s war against Ukraine and attacks on Ukrainian Black Sea ports. Romanian officials also reported Russian drones straying into national airspace. The investigation into the tanker strikes and the search for the missing crew members were continuing as authorities worked to establish the circumstances surrounding the fires.