Russian drone attacks put Black Sea shipping at growing risk, leaving at least 30 mariners dead or missing

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 03, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Reuters

Russia’s escalating drone campaign against commercial vessels in the Black Sea has raised concerns over maritime safety, with at least 30 sailors killed or reported missing in recent weeks.

Russian drones have struck at least a dozen merchant ships, with several attacks occurring near or within the territorial waters and exclusive economic zones of NATO members Romania and Bulgaria.

The attacks appear aimed at disrupting Ukraine’s maritime trade, particularly the shipment of grain through its Black Sea ports. Ukraine relies heavily on the waterway for agricultural exports, making the attacks a threat not only to shipping but also to international food supplies.

Among the latest incidents was the sinking of the container ship Contship Jet after three drones struck the vessel as it approached a Romanian port. Video footage showed a maritime drone closing in on the ship before it began listing and eventually sank.

The escalation follows a series of deadly attacks beginning in early October. The Turkish-owned Alfa Watan was struck while sailing toward Romania, killing 10 crew members. Six days later, another attack on the HS Dignity off Bulgaria’s coast killed 11 sailors.

On October 15, four additional merchant ships were targeted, resulting in eight deaths, according to Romania’s foreign minister. Two chemical tankers also caught fire after being hit near the Sulina Canal.

Maritime security analysts say some vessels may have been targeted because of their links to Ukrainian grain exports. Russia, however, has not acknowledged responsibility for all the attacks and has claimed in some instances that targeted ships were carrying military or dual-use cargo for Ukraine.

The growing danger has prompted Romania and Bulgaria to strengthen their defenses. Romania has deployed F-16 fighter jets along its coast, while Bulgaria has sought NATO assistance, including combat aircraft and anti-drone systems.

NATO has also pledged to reinforce its eastern flank with additional maritime patrol aircraft, radar systems and drones following the attacks near alliance territory.

The disruptions are already affecting commercial shipping. Traffic to Ukrainian ports has declined, while insurance costs have increased as the London insurance market expanded its high-risk classification across much of the Black Sea.

The consequences could extend beyond the region. Ukraine is a major global supplier of wheat, corn and sunflower oil, and much of its agricultural exports normally pass through the Black Sea.

With Russia and Ukraine continuing to target maritime assets linked to each other’s trade, shipping operators face growing risks in one of the world’s important commercial waterways.