EU chief condemns drone attacks on merchant ships near Bulgaria's coast

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday "strongly condemned" drone attacks on merchant ships near Bulgaria's coast.

"The Black Sea has become another front of escalation of the Russian war in Ukraine. This is unacceptable," von der Leyen said in a post through US social media company X.

She said the attacks endangered crew members and threatened regional security, expressing solidarity with Bulgaria.

"Those responsible should be held accountable," she added.

Earlier Tuesday, Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev said a distress call was received at 1.30 am (2230GMT) from the Maltese-flagged Chelsea 3, located 18 nautical miles east of Byala.

According to its crew, the Ukrainian-owned vessel, registered in Odesa, was struck on its deck and side by three aerial drones.

All 15 crew members, including seven Ukrainians and eight Azerbaijanis, were safely evacuated to the port of Varna, with five receiving medical assistance, according to the premier.

Radev said Bulgaria had informed its representatives to NATO and the EU and was seeking international support to investigate the drones' origin and strengthen maritime and air surveillance.

"We do not have clear and conclusive evidence to attribute responsibility to either side," he said, adding that he would summon the Russian ambassador for talks.

He also reported that another vessel was struck 17 nautical miles east of Krapets and subsequently sank, with one crew member rescued.

Later, Radev called for joint EU and NATO efforts to halt attacks on merchant ships in the Black Sea during separate phone conversations with von der Leyen and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.

According to a Bulgarian government statement, von der Leyen and Rutte expressed solidarity with Bulgaria and praised its swift response in rescuing sailors following attacks near its territorial waters.

Both leaders also expressed readiness to provide allied support in investigating the incidents, while Radev renewed his request for assistance in strengthening Bulgaria's maritime and airspace surveillance capabilities.

The prime minister said he would initiate talks with Romania and Türkiye to develop joint proposals to ensure maritime security in the Black Sea.

He also plans to raise the issue at the European Council meeting on Oct. 15-16, the statement added.