Europe

16 Rescued Sailors Reach Varna After Black Sea Drone Attacks

Published Oct 6, 2026, 2:53 PM · 2 hours ago

Courtroom-sketch editorial illustration of an archival 2008 Bulgarian Black Sea coastline at Kamchia reserve, with gentle waves, a sandy beach, resting gulls, foreground driftwood and a wooded shoreline; coastal context for the maritime rescue, rendered in warm ochre and slate-blue pastel strokes.

Sixteen rescued sailors from the damaged cargo ship Able arrived in Varna on Tuesday after drone attacks struck two vessels in Bulgaria's Black Sea exclusive economic zone. They were taken to Border Police facilities for medical examinations, and none was seriously injured; the shipowner undertook to provide accommodation while documents were issued. Two injured crew members had been transported toward Varna separately, according to the Bulgarian government. Prime Minister Rumen Radev said the other vessel, sailing under Togo's flag, sank about 70 nautical miles east of Byala, and a search for its crew continued.

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