Bulgaria asks EU and NATO for technical help in probe of Black Sea ship attacks

Bulgaria has asked the European Union and NATO for technical assistance in investigating a drone attack on two commercial ships in its Black Sea exclusive economic zone. Prime Minister Rumen Radev wrote to European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, seeking allied support and asking that the matter be treated as a priority given its urgency, the government press office said.

Despite Bulgaria's efforts, no drone debris has been recovered that could establish where the drones came from, the government said. Radev also requested help from the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). The aim is to examine all available physical evidence, satellite data and other information gathered. Sofia is in contact with NATO over allied support for the investigation.

The government said Bulgaria "categorically condemns" military attacks on commercial shipping and civilian sailors and will take all possible diplomatic and legal measures under international law once responsibility is established. The two ships were struck by sea and aerial drones at around 3 a.m. on Oct. 6. A Togo-flagged vessel sank, and two injured sailors were taken to Varna.