by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief
SOFIA/ATHENS/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has called for a global maritime truce after a Greek-managed container ship sank in an attack by three naval drones off Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast.
The attack has raised fears that Russia’s war in Ukraine is increasingly threatening international shipping.
Speaking during a United Nations Security Council debate on maritime security Thursday, Mitsotakis condemned attacks on civilian commercial vessels and urged countries to ensure that ships can navigate safely, even during armed conflicts.
He warned that disruptions to international shipping could drive up transport and insurance costs, eventually leading to higher prices for consumers.
His appeal followed Wednesday’s attack on the Liberian-flagged CONTSHIP JET, which was carrying 421 containers from the Israeli port of Haifa to Constanța in Romania.
SHIP HIT BY DRONES
The vessel was reportedly struck by three maritime drones about 21 nautical miles (39 kilometers) off Bulgaria’s coast, within the country’s exclusive economic zone but outside its territorial waters.
All 18 crew members, including 14 Filipinos and four Ukrainians, were rescued by Bulgarian naval and border police vessels and brought safely to the port city of Varna, officials said.
Bulgarian authorities have launched an investigation into the attack, although responsibility has not been established.
The sinking is the latest in a series of drone strikes against commercial vessels in the western Black Sea, where at least six ships have reportedly been attacked this month.
Earlier incidents left at least two seafarers dead and 25 missing, with fears that the death toll could rise.
NATO SECURITY CONCERNS
The attacks have raised concerns among NATO members that Russia’s war in Ukraine is increasingly endangering civilian shipping routes near the alliance’s eastern borders.
Russia has not claimed responsibility for the latest attack, and Bulgarian authorities have not publicly identified the perpetrators.
Bulgarian naval commander Kiril Mihaylov said a French patrol aircraft had warned authorities about a possible drone attack, but the warning did not prevent the vessel from being struck.
Authorities are also monitoring possible environmental consequences after the CONTSHIP JET sank with containers carrying potentially hazardous materials.
The cargo included lithium-ion batteries, corrosive liquids, acids and industrial components, according to Bulgarian officials.
BLACK SEA SECURITY
Initial inspections Thursday found no visible evidence of pollution, although concerns remain about possible contamination, according to Bulgarian authorities.
The sinking occurred as defense ministers from Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey met in Sofia to discuss mounting security threats in the Black Sea.
The three NATO countries condemned attacks on commercial vessels and agreed to strengthen intelligence sharing, early-warning capabilities and coordination to protect maritime traffic.
Bulgaria has also requested additional allied assistance to improve security along its Black Sea coast.
The maritime crisis comes just days before Bulgaria’s presidential runoff election on Sunday, November 1.
BULGARIAN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
Incumbent President Iliana Iotova faces former caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov after neither secured an outright majority in the first round.
Iotova received 34.76 percent of the vote, compared with 31.95 percent for Gyurov, amid historically low voter turnout of about 22 percent.
Both candidates have condemned the attacks on commercial shipping but differ over Bulgaria’s broader relationship with Russia and the war in Ukraine.
Although the presidency is largely ceremonial, the election has gained significance as Bulgaria confronts growing security challenges along its Black Sea coastline.
For Greece and other countries dependent on international shipping, the immediate concern remains the safety of commercial vessels and their crews.
Mitsotakis warned that maritime security is essential not only for global trade but also for international economic stability, urging governments to prevent the world’s seas from becoming increasingly dangerous.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
