Drone parts discovered on Chelsea-3; Able vessel believed sunk after attacks off Bulgaria's coast.
New findings have emerged from investigations following drone attacks on commercial vessels off the coast of Bulgaria. Parts of a drone were detected on the cargo ship named Chelsea-3, which was attacked, while the Able vessel, which suffered severe damage in the attack on October 6, is believed to have sunk in the Black Sea.
Bulgarian authorities have reportedly initiated an investigation to determine the type of drones used in the attacks and the characteristics of the explosives.
Three large holes were detected on the Chelsea-3 vessel.
The Malta-flagged Chelsea-3, owned by Ukrainian companies and with a capacity of 5,827 DWT, was attacked on October 13, approximately 17 nautical miles off the coast of Byala, Bulgaria. The 15 crew members aboard the vessel, which was sailing in ballast, were evacuated.
Bulgarian authorities launched a salvage operation to tow the drifting vessel to a safe area after the attack. The initial inspection was conducted on October 15. However, the securing of the vessel was delayed due to bad weather conditions and high waves.
On October 16, the vessel, located 10.7 nautical miles east of Lozenets, was towed to the Burgas anchorage on October 17.
During inspections conducted on the vessel, three large holes were identified, one in the port aft section and the other in the midsection of the ship. Additionally, parts believed to belong to the drones used in the attack were found.
Authorities stated that chemical analyses of the seized parts are ongoing, and it is expected that the type of explosives and drones used will be determined as a result of the investigations. It was reported that no ammunition or military materials were found on the vessel.
It was noted that Bulgaria has spent up to approximately 200,000 euros for the salvage operation.
The Able vessel is believed to have sunk.
New developments have been reported regarding the Able vessel, which suffered severe damage in the drone attack on October 6 in the Black Sea.
The 5,985-ton vessel, flagged in Palau and carrying barley from Romania to Turkey, was attacked approximately 70 nautical miles off the coast of Byala, Bulgaria.
Following the attack, a fire broke out on the vessel, and the engine room was flooded. Inspections conducted by the Bulgarian Air and Naval Forces on October 9 confirmed severe damage, but no parts of a drone related to the attack were found.
The vessel, which took on water from the aft section and began to list, drifted in the Black Sea for several days. Bulgarian authorities reported that as of October 12, the vessel had exited the country's exclusive economic zone, but it continued to be monitored.
The Able vessel is believed to have sunk on the night of October 19 to 20, as it disappeared from radar screens. As of the date of this report, no definitive physical confirmation of the sinking had been reported.
All 18 crew members of the vessel were rescued following the attack.
Bulgaria is increasing its surveillance in the Black Sea.
Bulgarian Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov announced that the country is enhancing its surveillance activities in the Black Sea following the attacks on commercial vessels.
In this context, two unmanned systems have been assigned for maritime surveillance, and a more advanced third system is planned to be operational by the weekend.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev also stated that a U.S.-owned Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft is conducting patrol activities in the Black Sea. It was expressed that the aircraft would increase reconnaissance activities and provide early warning support to Bulgaria.
Bulgaria and Romania have requested NATO to enhance its support in the Black Sea to protect commercial maritime transportation. NATO announced that following discussions on October 20, additional maritime patrol aircraft, radar systems, and drones would be deployed to strengthen surveillance capacity in the region.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
