Israeli-Affiliated Ship Sinks After Black Sea Drone Attack

The vessel, the CONTSHIP JET, was carrying 421 containers from Haifa, Israel, to Constanta, Romania, when the attack occurred in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone. According to Ynetnews and Panet, the ship flew a Liberian flag, while Vesty reported it was under a Greek flag. The crew, consisting of 14 Filipino and four Ukrainian nationals, was evacuated to the Bulgarian port of Varna.

Bulgarian authorities reported receiving advance warning of a potential attack but were unable to prevent it. While the origin of the drones remains unknown, the incident is believed to be connected to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. According to Ynetnews, initial assessments suggest the vessel's connection to Israel was not the motive for the strike.

ZIM confirmed the attack on the chartered vessel, stating that the financial damage was minor and that alternative transport is being arranged for the cargo. The sinking comes amid a sharp rise in maritime attacks in the western Black Sea, where at least six vessels have been targeted this month.