Ukraine–Russia

Black Sea: three drones hit the Ukrainian-owned cargo ship Chelsea 3 off Byala, Bulgaria; all 15 crew evacuated, six hurt

ATTACK
Location
About 15–18 nautical miles east of Byala, Varna province, Bulgaria, Black Sea (estimated ±12 km)
Actors
Ukraine
Importance
Standard

The Maltese-flagged general cargo ship Chelsea 3, registered in Odesa and Ukrainian-owned, was hit by three aerial drones in Bulgaria's Black Sea exclusive economic zone east of Byala, south of Varna, early on 13 October 2026, Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev said. A distress signal was received at about 01:30 local; Radev put the position at 18 nautical miles east of Byala, while the Varna regional administration said about 15 nautical miles. A Bulgarian Border Police boat evacuated all 15 crew, seven Ukrainians and eight Azerbaijanis, to Varna. Varna governor Mario Smarkov said six sailors were hurt: five with minor injuries and one with burns taken to the Military Medical Academy; the regional administration's first report said there were no injuries. The ship, listing slightly, was sailing empty from Turkey to Moldova after carrying Ukrainian grain to Turkey, and was brought into Varna. Radev said there was no clear evidence of who launched the drones but that the outcome favoured Russia; Ukraine's foreign minister blamed Russia. The pin is an estimate east of Byala.

  • Injuries: Best 6 · Confidence: Probable · Evidence: All 15 crew members evacuated from damaged ship near Byala · Six crew injured per Varna governor Smarkov (five minor, one burns); Radev said five received treatment for minor injuries; the early regional report said none.

Verification: unverified

Evidence: New drone attacks on ships in Bulgaria's Black Sea EEZ, one sunk, All 15 crew members evacuated from damaged ship near Byala, Cargo ship struck by aerial drone off Bulgarian coast, Two vessels attacked near Bulgaria: Ukraine's Foreign Ministry says Russia's actions threaten shipping

Bulgarian government and Varna regional administration statements via BTA, Novinite and The Sofia Globe; drone origin unestablished.