Drones hit two ships off Romania's Black Sea coast
Seven sailors are missing after two tankers caught fire, and Romanian authorities are investigating a possible drone strike after drones violated their airspace overnight.
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What happened
Two ships caught fire off Romania's Black Sea coast after drones entered the country's airspace overnight, leaving seven sailors missing. Romanian authorities opened an investigation into whether one of the tankers was hit by a drone, and emergency teams are searching for the missing crew. A NATO source said the drones came from Russia.
Why it matters
Romania's president said attacks on commercial ships are unacceptable and must stop. Some NATO members are reportedly wondering whether Russian President Vladimir Putin is seeking escalation to test the alliance's support for Ukraine.
Timeline
- Oct 15, 8:58 AM ET: Two ships off Romania's Black Sea coast caught fire amid a drone incursion, with seven sailors missing.
- Oct 15, 12:57 PM ET: A NATO source said the drones came from Russia, and Romania's president called attacks on commercial ships unacceptable.
- Oct 16, 1:28 PM ET: A string of drone attacks on at least seven cargo vessels in the Black Sea this month raised concerns among NATO members about possible Russian escalation.
Coverage
- Drone strikes in the Black Sea raise fears of Russian escalation to test NATO's response (CTV News)
- At least 7 crew members missing after drone attacks on ships in Black Sea (Al Jazeera)
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