Seven sailors missing after drones strike tankers near Romania’s Black Sea coast

How this story developed

In the order it was reported. Each line comes from the reports themselves. Ongoing.

1. October 8, 2026 at 14:45

   Security in the Black Sea region: is Bulgaria the weak link in Europe's defense against threats from Russia?

   Two ships have sunk off the coast of Bulgaria and Romania after drone attacks in recent days.

   • Deutsche Welle Security in the Black Sea region: is Bulgaria the weak link in Europe's defense against threats from Russia?

2. October 15, 2026 at 19:57

   Seven sailors missing after drones strike tankers near Romania’s Black Sea coast

   The country has experienced frequent drone incursions since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, including a daytime encroachment last November that led Nato to scramble fighter jets.

   • Politico EU NATO allies to meet over Black Sea drone attacks on shipping
   • The Guardian Seven sailors missing after drones strike tankers near Romania’s Black Sea coast