Drones Strike Two Shipping Vessels Off Bulgaria, One Sinks, Rescue Operations Ongoing In a series of drone attacks on Tuesday, two commercial vessels near Bulgaria's Black Sea coast were hit, causing the sinking of one ship and injuries to crew members on the other. Bulgarian authorities, NATO, the EU and Ukrainian officials condemn the incidents, attributing responsibility to Russia and calling for investigation and enhanced maritime security measures. On Tuesday, drones struck two commercial ships in the Black Sea off the coast of Bulgaria. The first vessel, a Guinea‑Bissau flag cargo ship named Dignity, was hit by a military drone strike and sank. Five sailors were rescued by Varna district governor Mario Smrkov's team, while a search operation continues for the remaining eleven crew members. The second ship, the Ukrainian‑operated coastal freighter Chelsea 3, sailing under the Maltese flag, was also struck by three aerial drones. The vessel's crew, comprising seven Ukrainian nationals and eight Azerbaijani citizens, sustained minor injuries to the deck and hull, but all 15 crew members were evacuated by rescuers with five receiving treatment for minor injuries.Bulgaria Seeks NATO AssistanceThe attacks occurred approximately 20 million and 21 million metres (32 and 34 kilometres) from the Bulgarian coast. Prime Minister Rumen Radev called the strikes "absolutely unacceptable" and announced that Bulgaria is seeking assistance from NATO and the European Union. Radev stated that the strikes further the interests of Russia and suggested that the attacks could be a provocation by a third party. He also indicated that the Bulgarian government would continue investigations alongside EU and NATO allies.Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote on social media that the attacks were again an example of Russian disregard for civilian lives and maritime security. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reiterated that the alliance will maintain a posture along the eastern flank of the Black Sea and will adjust deterrence measures as needed. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the incidents and declared the Black Sea a new front of escalation in Russia's war in Ukraine.European Council President Antonio Costa expressed full solidarity with Bulgaria and announced that the growing number of Russian hybrid activities would be discussed at an upcoming council meeting in Brussels. These attacks occurred exactly one week after a series of drone incidents that affected three other commercial vessels in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone.Recurring Drone Incidents Raise ConcernsA Togo‑flagged ship sank, a Bulgarian ferry evacuated the crew of a Pulau‑flagged vessel, and a Turkish‑owned cargo ship carrying corn caught fire and later sank off the coast of Romania. The Romanian authorities reported two deaths and 11 crew members rescued in that incident. The repeated drone strikes have heightened concerns over maritime security and the safety of shipping lanes in the Black Sea.The Bulgarian government has called for joint proposals with neighboring Romania and Turkey to guarantee the safety of shipping in the Black Sea. The incidents underscore the increasing geopolitical tensions and the potential use of hybrid warfare tactics such as drone attacks in the region.