Eleven Turkish and seven Indian sailors were rescued after a Turkish-owned cargo ship was struck by drones in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea, according to regional reporting. The incident unfolded as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan raised maritime navigational security during a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Erdoğan and Putin Discuss Black Sea Security and Regional Trade
During the call, Erdoğan emphasized the importance of ensuring navigational safety in the Black Sea and stated that Turkey remains ready to contribute to establishing direct contacts between Russia and Ukraine, according to the Directorate of Communications cited by БТА. The conversation also included birthday greetings for Putin and acknowledgments of his party’s recent electoral victory in Russia.
Turkish Commercial Vessels Targeted by Drone Attacks Near Bulgaria
The diplomatic discussion followed a series of maritime incidents involving vessels owned by Turkish companies near the coasts of Bulgaria and Romania. Two of the targeted commercial vessels were the Togo-flagged ALFA WATAN and the Palau-flagged ABLE, which were attacked by drones in Bulgarian waters. ALFA WATAN was traveling from Kartal, Turkey, to Sulina, Romania, while ABLE was transiting from Galati, Romania, to Istanbul, according to VesselFinder tracking data. A second ship owned by a Turkish firm sank at the same location, leaving its crew in unknown status, while an earlier incident near Romania caused the deaths of two crew members and the rescue of 11 others.
Iliana Iotova Convenes Council to Address Maritime Security Risks
In response to the attacks in the Bulgarian exclusive economic zone—noted as the first such attack near the country’s coast—Iliana Iotova convened the Consultative Council for National Security to address risks to maritime security and critical infrastructure. The diplomatic response builds on earlier initiatives outlined by Iotova at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where she announced plans for a Bulgarian diplomatic framework to secure free and safe shipping in the Black Sea.
Russia Position on Black Sea Dialogue and Regional Proposals
Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia remains open to dialogue on ensuring Black Sea security for all interested parties, though concrete negotiations for bilateral agreements have not yet begun. Responding to questions about security proposals from nations including Turkey, India, and Egypt, Peskov noted during a Valdai discussion that official talks have not materialized into formal bilateral treaties.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Black Sea Security Talks
Which vessels were targeted in the Bulgarian exclusive economic zone?
The Togo-flagged commercial vessel ALFA WATAN and the Palau-flagged vessel ABLE were attacked by drones in Bulgarian waters while traveling between Turkish and Romanian ports.
How many sailors were rescued from the damaged Turkish-owned ships?
According to regional reporting, 11 Turkish and seven Indian sailors were rescued from a vessel struck by drones in Bulgarian waters, while 11 crew members were rescued and two others died following the sinking of another Turkish ship near Romania.
What was the response of the Russian government regarding maritime security proposals?
Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow is open to dialogue on Black Sea security with all nations, but clarified that no concrete bilateral agreements or formal negotiations are currently underway.
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