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Three Drones Sink Contship Jet, Crew Rescued Off Shabla

By Drooid · Oct 29, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov said three drones sank the Liberian-flagged Contship Jet.
The attack occurred on 28 October 2026 about 21 nautical miles southeast of Shabla.
All 18 crew members—14 Filipinos and four Ukrainians—were rescued and taken to Varna.
Bulgarian Navy and border police evacuated the crew and reported no pollution.
Prime Minister Rumen Radev said suspicion points to Russia, though Moscow denies involvement.

History

Ukraine and Russia signed a 2003 treaty for Kerch Strait passage, but Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and Crimean Bridge let it tighten inspections. On 25 November 2018 Russian coast guard seized three Ukrainian vessels, detaining 24 sailors and sparking NATO and EU condemnation. The 2026 drone attack on the Contship Jet near Shabla revived Black Sea tensions, prompting EU-UN calls for tighter patrols.

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Ukraine and Russia signed a 2003 treaty for Kerch Strait passage, but Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and Crimean Bridge let it tighten inspections. On 25 November 2018 Russian coast guard seized three Ukrainian vessels, detaining 24 sailors and sparking NATO and EU condemnation. The 2026 drone attack on the Contship Jet near Shabla revived Black Sea tensions, prompting EU-UN calls for tighter patrols.

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