Liberian-Flagged Ship Chartered by Zim Sinks in Black Sea After Drone Attack

An international report indicates that a Liberian-flagged container ship, chartered by the Israeli company Zim, sank in the Black Sea on Thursday, October 29, following a drone attack the previous day. The vessel sustained severe damage within Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone, though not within its territorial waters, before succumbing to the damage. Bulgarian authorities announced the sinking on Thursday. The ship's crew, comprising 14 Filipinos and four Ukrainians, was successfully evacuated and transported to the Bulgarian city of Varna for medical examinations. The identity of the group responsible for the attack remains unknown.

The vessel was carrying 421 containers, including a cargo of hazardous materials such as lithium-ion batteries, corrosive substances, acids, and industrial components. Bulgarian authorities stated that initial tests have not revealed significant signs of marine pollution resulting from the sinking. Zim confirmed that it had chartered the vessel and did not own it, and that its owners had reported the crew's safety. The company is monitoring the damage assessment and working to secure a replacement vessel to maintain its services.

This incident is part of a series of attacks targeting commercial ships in the Black Sea during October, raising concerns about the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on maritime navigation security. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack on this specific ship.