In brief
Romania’s San Marino‑flagged tanker, Wine Trader, was hit by a swarm of drones off the Danube delta, sending its decks ablaze and leaving seven crew members unaccounted for. The incident comes after a similar attack on the Yara J the day before, prompting nations in the Black Sea to discuss invoking NATO Article 4. Rescue operations involving helicopters and boats continue in rough seas, with the Romanian interior ministry releasing footage of the effort. The episode heightens fears of rising drone warfare against civilian vessels, as Russia and Ukraine both claim responsibility for recent naval attacks.
Romania’s San Marino‑flagged chemical tanker, Wine Trader, was spotted 13 nautical miles east of the mouth of the Danube at Sulina when it reported explosions and fire at 07:00 local time. The ship was empty of cargo at the time of the attack.
Sixteen drones were detected in the area, some of which appeared to be part of a swarm. Following the incident, seven of the twelve crew members went missing while rescue crews struggled in waves that reached several metres.
Romanian President Nicuşor Dan confirmed that the Wine Trader and the Yara J—another tanker struck by a drone the previous day—had both been hit. He stated that the priority was to locate the four crew members still alive and to keep rescue teams safe amid the rough seas.
The incident adds to a string of drone strikes along the western Black Sea that have targeted both civilian shipping and, according to Moscow, weapons convoys heading to Ukraine. Bulgaria last week announced that a drone attack had forced a merchant vessel to sink and left 11 crew members missing; it summoned Russia’s envoy in response.
The Romanian and Bulgarian leaders are scheduled to meet with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to discuss the possibility of invoking Article 4—a provision that allows member states to request consultations if their territorial integrity is threatened. The discussions will also examine any operational measures needed to protect commercial shipping.
International observers warn that a surge in drone warfare over the Black Sea threatens global trade routes, especially the grain corridor that runs past Ukraine. The United States and European Union have called for a ceasefire in the region, while Russia has rejected such calls, citing attacks on its merchant fleet.
