In brief
On Thursday morning, the San Marino‑flagged tanker Wine Trader was hit by a swarm of drones near the Danube delta, causing explosions and a fire that forced the ship to drift back to shore. Seven crew members went missing, adding to the region’s rising maritime security concerns after similar incidents in Bulgaria and the Black Sea. Romanian authorities have launched a search and rescue operation with helicopters and boats, while NATO discussions may invoke Article 4. Ukraine and the West blame Russia for the attacks while Moscow denies responsibility.
A search and rescue operation involving boats and helicopters is now continuing in rough seas, Romanian authorities say. Image: Reuters
Seven of the 12 crew aboard the San Marino‑flagged chemical tanker Wine Trader went missing after a swarm of drones detonated on the vessel on Thursday morning, setting flammable cargo ablaze.
The incident occurred about 13 nautical miles east of the mouth of the Danube at Sulina, where the ship had been sailing from Tunisia to Romania.
Romanian President Nicușor Dan confirmed that the Wine Trader and another tanker, Yara J, were struck in a series of drone attacks that have plagued the Black Sea region this week.
Smoke still billows from the wrecked tanker as rescue helicopters and boats from the Romanian navy circled the wreckage. The search prioritises locating the four crew who remain alive while ensuring the safety of the rescue crews amid high waves.
The incident follows similar attacks on merchant vessels in Bulgaria and the wider Black Sea, with NATO members calling for heightened maritime security. Romanian and Bulgarian leaders are preparing to discuss invoking Article 4 of the NATO treaty on the imminent threat to shipping lanes.
Russia says it is targeting cargo vessels delivering military supplies to Ukraine, while Kyiv and Western allies say the attacks target civilian cargo. Turkey has urged all parties to halt the assault on commercial shipping.
