Romanian President Nicușor Dan has accused Russia of escalating attacks near NATO’s eastern flank after a drone strike sank a cargo ship off Romania’s Black Sea coast, killing one sailor and leaving three others missing.
The incident occurred on Friday, October 23, 2026, when the Comoros-flagged vessel, Khoryv, sent a distress signal about 13 nautical miles off the Romanian port of Constanța, according to Romania’s naval authority.
The ship was carrying 13 Ukrainian and Azerbaijani sailors. Nine crew members were rescued, one body was recovered and three remained missing as emergency teams searched the surrounding waters amid strong winds and rough seas.
Romanian authorities released video showing part of the overturned vessel’s hull above the water as the ship sank.
Dan blamed the incident on Russia’s war against Ukraine, saying the attack formed part of what he described as Moscow’s escalation against countries along NATO’s eastern flank.
“It is part of Russia’s escalation process in its war in Ukraine,” the Romanian president told reporters, later confirming that the vessel had been struck by a drone.
Black Sea attacks raise security concerns
The sinking comes amid a reported increase in attacks on commercial vessels near the Black Sea coasts of NATO members Romania and Bulgaria.
According to Reuters, at least seven cargo ships have been hit during attacks over the preceding two weeks, with around 30 sailors reported dead or missing.
The incidents have heightened concerns about the safety of commercial shipping in the region, particularly vessels serving Ukraine’s export trade.
NATO announced on Tuesday that it would deploy additional maritime patrol aircraft, radar systems and drones to the Black Sea. The alliance has not specified the exact capabilities to be sent.
Romania has also reported intercepting Russian drones. On Saturday, Romanian fighter jets shot down two Russian drones over the country’s territorial waters, according to the report.
Ukraine’s alternative export route under threat
The vessels recently attacked were reportedly anchored near or travelling towards the Sulina Canal, a key waterway connecting the Danube River to the Black Sea.
The route has become increasingly important to Ukraine’s exports, including grain and vegetable oils, as Russian attacks have threatened Ukrainian ports on the Black Sea.
Ukraine has relied on Danube River ports and shipping routes through Romanian waters to maintain trade amid the war.
Romania, Ukraine and Bulgaria have called on NATO to strengthen protection for commercial shipping in the Black Sea.
The latest incident adds to concerns over maritime security and the wider regional consequences of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
However, the circumstances of the strike on the Khoryv and the precise origin of the drone remain subject to further investigation.
