PM Rumen Radev denounces attacks on ALFA WATAN and ABLE vessels in the Black Sea, emphasizing violations of international law and ongoing search efforts.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev described the attacks on the vessels ALFA WATAN and ABLE in the Black Sea as unacceptable. Radev stated that the attack occurred within Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone and emphasized that international law was violated.
Prime Minister Rumen Radev made a statement during an emergency meeting held with representatives of relevant institutions following the targeting of two commercial vessels on October 6. Radev characterized the attacks as 'absolutely unacceptable,' stating that maritime activities and international law were severely violated.
Aerial and maritime drones were used.
According to Radev's statement, the attack took place approximately 70 nautical miles east of the town of Byala. The Prime Minister noted that the vessels were targeted using aerial and maritime drones. The Bulgarian News Agency BTA reported that the attacked vessels were the Togo-flagged ALFA WATAN and the Palau-flagged ABLE.
Radev announced that the Togo-flagged vessel had sunk, and he mentioned that the Bulgarian-flagged ferry DIOSCURIA, which was in the area, had seen the explosion and headed to the scene. He reported that a capsized boat, three life rafts, and life jackets were found in the area, and at the time of the announcement, those rescued from the sunken vessel could not be reached.
Search for ALFA WATAN crew continues.
According to a news report from BGNES published on the morning of October 7, search efforts for the crew of ALFA WATAN are ongoing. It was reported that 17 of the 18 crew members of ABLE are in good health, while one engineering crew member, who sustained severe burns, is in intensive care.
The evacuated crew of ABLE was initially taken aboard the DIOSCURIA ferry. Bulgarian state television BNT announced that the sailors were later transferred to naval and border police vehicles.
Highlighted risks in maritime transportation.
Radev emphasized that Bulgaria is responsible for protecting the lives of people navigating in its exclusive economic zone and conducting search and rescue operations. He stated that the attacks increase the risks associated with maritime transportation in the Black Sea, exerting additional pressure on costs and insurance risks.
The party responsible for the attack has not yet been definitively identified by Bulgarian authorities. According to a report by Reuters, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky holds Russia responsible for the attack, while there is no independent verification regarding the source of the drones.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
