In brief
The container ship CONTSHIP JET sunk near Cape Kaliakra after being struck by maritime drones, its crew rescued and its cargo containing lithium‑ion batteries and gas oil subjected to scrutiny. Bulgarian agencies launched a systematic seawater sampling program while a legal investigation is underway, and the European Commission has pledged to enhance maritime security in the region.
The container ship CONTSHIP JET, carrying a mix of lithium‑ion batteries and 421 containers of gas oil, hit the water after being struck by three maritime drones east of Cape Kaliakra on Wednesday, Feb 26, 2027. Bulgarian authorities confirmed the sinkage occurred near midnight under the Varna Regional Administration’s oversight, marking the fifth drone attack on a merchant vessel within the country’s exclusive economic zone since the start of October.
The 18‑member crew—14 Filipinos, four Ukrainians—were rescued by jet‑skied and helicopter assets, safely transferred to Varna and provided medical assessment. Their safe evacuation was highlighted by the Varna Regional Administration and corroborated by the Maritime Administration Executive Agency.
Beyond the battery load, the ship’s cargo included 421 containers housing light fuel oil, the type of fuel that is prone to evaporation in seawater. Officials stated that the quantity was insufficient to produce a long‑lasting environmental hazard should any leakage occur.
Maritime Administration teams inspected the sunken vessel and, according to a February 26 report, concluded that no significant adverse effects on the marine environment were anticipated at that moment. They noted that gas oil tends to disperse quickly and is unlikely to reach the Bulgarian coast.
Nevertheless, to ensure transparency and early detection of potential pollution, Bulgarian authorities have launched an extensive seawater sampling program. The Executive Environment Agency plans to collect samples from five coastal points—Durankulak, Shabla, Cape Kaliakra, Byala, and Sozopol—on Thursday, testing for petroleum, polychlorinated biphenyls, metals, and other physicochemical indicators, per BTA.
Simultaneously, the Black Sea Basin Directorate will conduct additional sampling around the site of the sinking, with results to be processed by regional laboratories in Varna and Burgas. The aim is to capture any micro‑contamination that may escape visual detection.
While the sampling campaign is underway, Bulgarian agencies maintain continuous underwater and surface monitoring. The Defence Ministry’s inspection units, in coordination with the Maritime Administration, will deploy periodic sonar sweeps to detect residual debris or oil slicks.
Admiral Emil Eftimov, Bulgaria’s outgoing Chief of Defence, spotlighted the incident’s security dimensions in an interview with bTV. He explained that the drones appeared to originate from the east and did not breach territorial waters, but he emphasized the need for strengthened intelligence and early‑warning systems. Importantly, after detailing the anti‑drone measures now in place, he noted:
"We are not at war. The drones did not enter territorial waters, so we did not take action."
Eftimov clarified that new anti‑drone capabilities are being deployed, that the air force and naval units remain on alert, and that the country is enhancing its collaboration with NATO partners to mitigate such risks.
EU Response and Cooperative Security Measures
"They represent a dangerous and unacceptable escalation," a European Commission spokesperson said in a statement released on Thursday.
The Commission expressed full solidarity with Bulgaria following the attack, linking the incidents to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and describing them as part of a broader pattern threatening EU maritime security. It called for a safe and open Black Sea and pledged to cooperate with Bulgaria and Romania to strengthen maritime security hubs and shared surveillance capabilities.
Legal and Military Investigation
On Thursday, the Sofia Military District Prosecution Office opened a pre‑trial investigation into the drone strike on the CONTSHIP JET. The case probes alleged violations of international law governing warfare at sea, examines crew composition, cargo type, and the circumstances surrounding the attack, and seeks to uncover whether the use of maritime drones contravened the Penal Code, Military District Prosecution Office officials said.
Collectively, the series of drone attacks—including this one, the most recent of five in less than two months—underscore a growing security risk for commercial shipping in the Black Sea, while the comprehensive environmental monitoring effort demonstrates Bulgaria’s commitment to safeguarding marine ecosystems. As authorities advance surveillance and legal actions, the international community watches closely for further developments in protecting both maritime trade and the coastal environment.
