Bulgarian Air Force and Navy personnel located a drifting cargo ship in the Black Sea during a reconnaissance mission on Sunday, the Defense Ministry said.
Air Force crews in two Cougar helicopters, with Navy specialists on board, searched for the motor vessel EMIL and assessed its condition between 11:30 a.m. and 1:10 p.m. The ship is 40 nautical miles east of Cape Shabla.
The ministry said a drone strike near Odesa on August 5 had caused fire and technical systems failures, leaving the vessel unable to maneuver. Its crew abandoned it, and the ship has since been drifting in Romania’s exclusive economic zone, with sea currents carrying it south towards Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone.
The Bulgarian Navy has issued a notice to mariners warning of an uncrewed vessel not under command in the area.
The relevant authorities continue to monitor the ship and remain ready to take any necessary action if the situation changes. (BTA)