Brief

Seven sailors missing after drones strike two tankers near Romania

Drones set ablaze the Wine Trader and Yara J tankers in Romanian territorial waters, prompting NATO and Romanian alerts.

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 16 Oct 2026 02:50:32 GMT

Seven sailors are missing after drones struck two tankers near Romania’s Black Sea coast, setting them on fire, the Guardian reports.

What happened

The San Marino‑flagged tanker Wine Trader was hit while sailing from Tunisia to Romania, and the Russian‑origin drones also struck the Yara J just inside Romanian waters late on Wednesday. All crew on the Yara J were reported safe, while the crew of the Wine Trader are missing.

What the reports add

A NATO military source told Reuters the drones came from Russia. Romania’s president, Nicușor Dan, called the incident “serious” and said commercial ships were being attacked near Romania and Bulgaria. He posted on X that the attacks were unacceptable and must stop. The statement followed a meeting with Bulgaria’s prime minister, Rumen Radev, and NATO secretary‑general Mark Rutte, where they agreed to strengthen Black Sea defences.

What was said

President Dan wrote on X: “Commercial ships are being attacked and sunk… Seafarers killed, injured and missing very close to the shores of Romania and Bulgaria. This is unacceptable and it has to stop.” Rutte said NATO will continue to work closely with Black Sea allies, adjusting deterrence and defence posture as needed.

How it came about

Romania has faced frequent drone incursions since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, including a November daylight incursion that prompted NATO fighter jets. Earlier in October, drone strikes off Bulgaria left crew missing from the HS Dignity and forced evacuation of the Ukrainian‑operated Chelsea 3, highlighting a growing pattern of attacks on merchant vessels in the Black Sea.

Key facts

• Seven sailors are missing after drones hit two tankers near Romania’s Black Sea coast. (theguardian.com)
• The Wine Trader, a San Marino‑flagged tanker, was struck while sailing from Tunisia to Romania. (theguardian.com)
• All crew on the Yara J were reported safe. (theguardian.com)
• Romanian President Nicușor Dan called the attacks serious and unacceptable. (theguardian.com)
• A NATO source said the drones originated from Russia. (theguardian.com)

Sources

• [1] theguardian.com — originally reported as “Seven sailors missing after drones strike tankers near Romania’s Black Sea coast”