Tanker Reportedly Struck by Drone in Romanian Waters

Dragon Media Newsroom

A Comoros-flagged commercial tanker was reportedly hit by a drone in Romanian territorial waters in the Black Sea on Wednesday evening. A fire broke out on board but was later brought under control. Romanian media reported that no crew members were injured.

Adrian Mihalcioiu, head of Romania’s Free Seafarers’ Union, said the vessel, named Yara J, was reportedly struck 8 to 10 nautical miles southeast of the port of Sulina. The tanker had 17 crew members from Syria, India and Iran.

Romanian Defence Minister Radu Miruță said authorities were checking whether the vessel had in fact been hit by a drone. A Romanian maritime rescue vessel was sent to the area after the tanker requested assistance.

Romanian public broadcaster TVR reported that the vessel had departed from Türkiye and was heading to Ukraine’s port of Izmail to pick up cargo.