Britain fully supports Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey following attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea. These attacks, which have occurred in the past 48 hours, have caused serious damage to the ships and their crews, resulting in the loss of several lives.
Details of the Black Sea Attacks
On October 5, a Turkish cargo ship named Royad Mamedov, carrying a load of corn from the port of Izmail, Ukraine, to Italy, caught fire in Romania's exclusive economic zone and sank. In this incident, two crew members lost their lives, and eleven others were rescued by Romanian authorities.
In the early hours of October 6, two other ships named Alpha Votan and Abel were targeted by aerial and naval drones in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone. Alpha Votan sank, and its crew is still missing. Eighteen sailors from the ship Abel have been rescued, two of whom are seriously injured. This is the first such attack in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone.
Human and Economic Consequences
On the same day, a ship carrying canola oil was also attacked near Odessa, resulting in the death of one crew member and injuries to seven others. Britain appreciates the rescue efforts of Bulgaria and Romania, as well as the quick response of the crew of the ship Dioscuri, and will closely follow the ongoing investigations.
The number of attacks on commercial vessels has reached 226 since the start of the war in the Black Sea, the highest number recorded this year. These attacks have not only increased risks for crews of all nationalities but have also raised insurance costs and limited the flow of food supplies to areas in need.
Britain is deeply concerned about the far-reaching consequences of these crises on global shipping. The threats are undermining international security, endangering the lives of sailors, and placing an economic burden on the global economy. The international community must remain united in defending legitimate trade, protecting civilian shipping, and countering efforts to coerce the global economy.
