Symbolic imageSeven sailors missing after drones hit two tankers off Romania
Two tankers caught fire in Romanian Black Sea waters between Wednesday night and Thursday morning. A Nato source says the drones were Russian.
The San Marino-flagged Wine Trader sent a distress call at about 7 a.m. on Thursday, 15 October. Of its 12 crew, four were rescued and seven are missing, Meduza reports citing Reuters. The Comoros-flagged chemical tanker Yara J was hit late on Wednesday just inside Romanian waters, and its crew put out the fire unhurt. A Nato military source told Reuters the drones were of Russian origin. Romania's president Nicușor Dan declined to name Russia as responsible, according to the Guardian.
Allies pledge stronger defences
After meeting Nato chief Mark Rutte and Bulgaria's prime minister Rumen Radev on Thursday, Dan said they agreed to strengthen Black Sea defences. Rutte said Nato would adjust its deterrence posture as needed, and a Nato official said the North Atlantic Council will discuss the attacks next week.
Part of a wider wave
At least 23 sailors have been killed or reported missing in attacks off Romania and Bulgaria in the past 10 days, according to Reuters. On Tuesday, drones hit two ships off Bulgaria, and 11 crew of the HS Dignity are still missing. Radev said there is no solid evidence the drones are Russian, though the outcome favours Moscow.
Other opinions
Telesur, citing Romanian maritime authorities, puts the missing at eight, says Romania's Defense Ministry has not confirmed drone strikes, and notes that Russia and Ukraine deny involvement. Politika reports Dan calling the attacks a Russian attempt to destabilise Nato's eastern flank.