Romania launched an urgent rescue operation in the Black Sea on Friday after a cargo vessel sent out a distress signal approximately 13 nautical miles from the port of Constanța. The ship, identified as the Khoryv, was reported to have been struck by multiple drones, an attack that ultimately caused it to sink.
The vessel carried thirteen sailors, nationals of Ukraine and Azerbaijan. According to a statement from the Romanian Naval Authority, rescue vessels managed to pull nine people from the water alive and recovered one body. Three crew members remain unaccounted for, and search efforts are ongoing.
Adverse weather conditions and poor visibility hampered rescue operations, preventing the deployment of helicopters. The Romanian Naval Authority noted that surface vessels were used instead, battling rough seas to reach the survivors.
Rising drone threats in the Black Sea
This incident is the latest in a series of attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea, where drones believed to be of Russian origin have targeted vessels off the coasts of Romania and Bulgaria in recent weeks. The attacks have raised concerns about the safety of maritime routes that are vital for grain exports from Ukraine and the broader region.
Earlier this month, Romanian F-16s intercepted two drones over the Black Sea, underscoring the growing frequency of such incursions. The Romanian military has been on high alert, and NATO allies have increased surveillance in the area.
The European Union has condemned the attacks, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warning that Russian Black Sea attacks threaten global food security. The strikes have disrupted shipping lanes and raised insurance costs for vessels operating in the region.
Local authorities in Constanța, Romania's largest port, have been coordinating with international partners to enhance maritime safety. The port has become a critical hub for Ukrainian grain exports since the start of the full-scale invasion, and any disruption has ripple effects on global supply chains.
The sinking of the Khoryv is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by seafarers in these waters. Maritime unions and shipping companies have called for stronger protection for civilian vessels, but the international community remains divided on how to respond to the escalating threats.
As search and rescue operations continue, the families of the missing sailors await news. The Romanian Naval Authority has promised to provide updates as the situation develops.
