'It is clear that sooner or later we will have European casualties', Romanian MEP

Seven sailors remain missing following drone strikes that ignited two chemical tankers near Romania’s Black Sea coast, sparking urgent calls for enhanced security measures in the region. The attacks, which occurred within Romanian territorial waters, have raised alarms among regional and international stakeholders, with NATO pledging to bolster its presence in the area. The incidents took place on Thursday, with the first attack striking the San Marino-flagged Wine Trader, which was en route from Tunisia to Romania. Five of the 12 crew members aboard the vessel were confirmed safe, while seven others remained missing. A second vessel, the Comoros-flagged Yara J, was also set ablaze earlier in the day, though all its crew members were accounted for. Both ships were anchored near the Sulina Canal, a key passage connecting the Danube River to the Black Sea. Romanian President Nicuşor Dan condemned the attacks, calling the situation "serious" and stating that commercial ships are being targeted and sunk, resulting in deaths, injuries, and disappearances near the coasts of Romania and Bulgaria. He emphasized that the attacks are unacceptable and must cease immediately. Dan held discussions with Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, where they agreed to enhance defenses in the Black Sea. Rutte affirmed that NATO would continue to collaborate closely with its Black Sea allies, adjusting its deterrence and defense strategies as necessary. The issue is slated for discussion at an upcoming meeting of the North Atlantic Council. According to a NATO military source, the drones responsible for the attacks originated from Russia. However, Romanian officials have not yet formally attributed the strikes to Moscow, despite indications pointing toward Russian involvement. Earlier this month, similar drone strikes affected vessels off the coast of Bulgaria, prompting emergency rescue efforts and leaving several crew members missing. The frequency of these attacks has intensified concerns that the Black Sea could become an extension of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Romania, which borders Ukraine along the Danube River, has faced repeated drone intrusions since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. These include a notable daylight incursion in November 2023, which prompted NATO to deploy fighter jets in response. Romanian Defense Minister Radu Miruta stated that an investigation into the causes of the fires is ongoing, adding that the incidents occurring in Romanian territorial waters are of significant concern. While the exact origin of the drones remains under scrutiny, the pattern of attacks suggests a growing threat to maritime security in the region. In separate remarks, a Romanian Member of the European Parliament warned that European casualties were likely to occur eventually due to the escalating tensions. The statements underscore the gravity of the situation and highlight the need for immediate action to prevent further escalation. As the search for the missing sailors continues, the focus shifts to determining the source of the attacks and implementing measures to safeguard vital shipping routes in the Black Sea.