Drone Attacks Hit Tankers in Black Sea; India Urges Safe Passage

· Shipping · Romania · Ukraine

Seven sailors are missing after drones struck two chemical tankers in the Black Sea just outside Romanian territorial waters, Romanian officials said. The Comoros-flagged Yara J was anchored approximately 10 nautical miles southeast of Sulina when its crew reported an explosion and fire onboard; the vessel was in ballast and preparing to sail. Rescuers searched for the missing crew on Thursday. Russia's drones strayed into Romanian national airspace, according to officials. NATO's Black Sea flank is on alert after the series of attacks. Separately, India has urged both Russia and Ukraine to ensure safe passage for commercial shipping through the Black Sea as attacks on merchant vessels put Indian seafarers at risk and threaten to disrupt vital food and energy supplies.

Why it matters：The attacks extend the threat to commercial shipping into NATO waters, raising the risk of direct confrontation and disrupting vital grain and energy exports; India's intervention highlights the global crewing stakes.

Key points

  • Seven sailors are missing after drones struck two chemical tankers in the Black Sea.
  • The Comoros-flagged Yara J was anchored about 10 nautical miles southeast of Sulina when it was hit.
  • India has urged Russia and Ukraine to ensure safe passage for commercial shipping.

Sources (original reporting)

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