Ukraine–Russia

Black Sea: Palau-flagged wheat carrier Able set on fire by a drone attack about 70 nautical miles east of Byala, Bulgaria; all 18 crew rescued, two hurt

ATTACK
Location
About 70 nautical miles east of Byala, Bulgaria's Black Sea exclusive economic zone (estimated ±25 km)
Importance
Notable

The Palau-flagged merchant ship Able, carrying wheat and sailing south, caught fire after sea and aerial drones attacked it and the Togo-flagged Alfa Watan at around 03:00 local time on 6 October 2026 in Bulgaria's Black Sea exclusive economic zone, about 70 nautical miles east of Byala, Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev said, according to BTA. All 18 crew, 11 Turkish and seven Indian nationals, were rescued with the help of the Bulgarian ferry Dioscuria and taken to Varna. Varna governor Mario Smarkov said a mechanic suffered burns over 45% of his body and was in critical condition, and the captain was treated for head, chest and leg injuries and discharged. Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov later said the ship had been hit by a surface drone, its engine room was flooded and no drone debris was found aboard, BNT reported. Radev said the drones were clearly either Russian or Ukrainian but their origin was not clear. The pin is an estimate based on the rescue area.

  • Injuries: Best 2 · Confidence: Probable · Evidence: Drone Attack on Two Merchant Ships in Bulgaria's Exclusive Economic Zone Prompts President to Convene Security Council · Two crew injured per Radev and Varna governor Smarkov: a mechanic with burns over 45% of his body in critical condition, and the captain, discharged after treatment.

Verification: unverified

Evidence: Two Merchant Ships Attacked by Sea and Aerial Drones in Bulgaria's Exclusive Economic Zone, Prime Minister Says, Drone Attack on Two Merchant Ships in Bulgaria's Exclusive Economic Zone Prompts President to Convene Security Council, Military Personnel Inspected Ship Able, Which Had Been Carrying Wheat; No Drone Debris Found

Bulgarian government statements via BTA and BNT; drone origin not established.