In the early morning of October 6, 2026, two merchant vessels were hit by air and sea drones in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone. The incident occurred approximately 70 nautical miles, or about 130 kilometers, east of the coastal city of Byala.
The "Alfa Watan," sailing under the flag of Togo, was severely damaged and sank. By afternoon, no confirmed information was available regarding the fate of the crew. Bulgarian authorities were searching for survivors using ships and aircraft. The vessel's cargo was initially unknown.
The general cargo ship "Able," flying the Palauan flag, was also hit. A fire broke out on board. All 18 crew members were able to abandon the vessel and were taken aboard the Bulgarian ferry "Dioscuria." Two sailors were treated for injuries at a hospital in Varna. The "Able" was carrying wheat.
Important for context: The Bulgarian government confirmed the attack but initially named no responsible party. Therefore, it would be premature to attribute the drones definitively to Russia or Ukraine. The exact number of crew members aboard the "Alfa Watan" also remained unclear.
Nevertheless, this represents a clear warning signal for shipping in the western Black Sea. The attack occurred far from the direct Ukrainian coast and near major routes to Danube ports. Insurers, shipowners, and charterers will likely reassess the situation. Higher war risk premiums, stricter route approvals, or ad hoc diversions are possible.
Anyone planning cargo shipments via Constanta, Sulina, Galati, Varna, or Burgas should not rely on previous transit times. While there is no general closure at present, individual shipping lines may change their requirements very quickly.