Seven Missing After Chemical Tanker Catches Fire Near Romania’s Black Sea Coast

Seven crew members are missing after a chemical tanker caught fire near Romania’s Black Sea coast on Thursday, October 15, amid growing concerns over suspected drone attacks on commercial shipping linked to the Russia-Ukraine war. Five of the vessel’s 12 crew members were rescued, while rough seas hampered the search operation.

The San Marino-flagged tanker Wine Trader, travelling from Tunisia to Romania, sent a distress signal at around 7 am local time after reporting a fire approximately 13 nautical miles from Sulina, a port near the Ukrainian border. Romanian authorities launched a search-and-rescue operation, deploying helicopters and rescue vessels carrying medical personnel.

Romania’s Interior Ministry said very high waves were preventing rescuers from safely reaching the area. Initial medical assessments indicated that one rescued crew member had burns to the scalp, another suffered mild smoke inhalation, and the remaining three appeared unharmed.

The incident followed a separate fire aboard the Comoros-flagged tanker Yara J late on Wednesday. The vessel, carrying oil products, was anchored in Romanian territorial waters near Sulina, and all its crew members were reported safe. Romanian authorities launched an investigation into whether the vessel had been struck by a drone, although officials said military radar had not detected a drone approaching it.

The fires occurred after Romania’s Defence Ministry reported detecting aerial targets near Snake Island, Ukrainian territory in the Black Sea. A drone briefly entered Romanian airspace overnight before disappearing from radar. Romanian President Nicusor Dan said both vessels had been hit by drones, although officials had not conclusively established the cause of the fires.

The incidents come amid escalating attacks on commercial shipping in the western Black Sea. Several cargo vessels have been hit near Romania and neighbouring Bulgaria in recent days. A drone strike near Bulgaria on Tuesday left 11 crew members missing from the cargo ship HS Dignity, adding to concerns over the safety of seafarers in the region.

The attacks have raised concerns about a crucial maritime corridor used to transport agricultural products and other goods. Russia’s strikes on Ukrainian Black Sea ports have pushed Kyiv to rely more heavily on Danube River ports and nearby shipping routes. The region is particularly important for grain exports, with Ukraine, Russia and Romania serving as major suppliers to international markets.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the alliance would work with its Black Sea allies to adjust its deterrence and defence measures as necessary. Romanian and Bulgarian leaders were also expected to discuss the escalating maritime security threat at the European Council summit in Brussels.