Bulgaria Sends Frigate to Search for Evidence in Attack on Vessels
Bulgarian officials confirmed on Friday, October 9, that teams have been searching the area where the two cargo ships were struck this week for evidence. The teams boarded the abandoned, drifting cargo ship and also renewed a search in the Black Sea.
According to the reports, two members of the Bulgarian armed forces were able to spend approximately 30 minutes aboard the bulker Able on Friday to search for evidence. Military officials said the team was tasked with searching for drone debris, collecting any fragments, and photographing the wreck. He said the team was able to enter the ship despite extensive fire damage from what was termed an “extremely intense fire.”
Unfortunately, the team reported it was unable to locate any debris or fragments aboard the vessel or in the water. Bulgaria’s Minister of Defense said without evidence they would not speculate on the origins of the drone. He noted that both Ukraine and Russia have denied attacking the two vessels early on October 6.
Initially, Bulgaria had said it would not continue the search after declaring the 10 crewmembers from the cargo ship Alfa Watan missing. However, reports are that Syria, which had nine crewmembers aboard the missing vessel, has called for an independent investigation involving both Bulgaria and the International Maritime Organization. Bulgarian media also reported that officials in the European Union told the country that it had to do more if it wants to push for sanctions as a result of the attacks.
The frigate Verni was sent to the site on Thursday to locate the Able and determine the condition of the vessel. Maritime officials had speculated that the ship was very likely to sink, but it was located approximately 55 nautical miles northeast of Cape Emine. The Palau-flagged ship, which is 114 meters (approximately 374 feet) in length and 7,400 dwt, is reported stable. It is down by the stern after taking water through a breach in the hull. Officials said they assume the engine room is at least partially flooded.
The team from the Navy and Air Force returned to the ship on Friday with the frigate. They reported extensive fire damage aboard, but they were able to confirm the vessel was carrying wheat. At this point, they said it was impossible to determine if the ship would sink or continue to drift.
Bulgaria said it would continue to monitor the wreck, but it is still declining to identify the source of the attack.
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Burgas Media is quoting a maritime expert who checked the details of the lost Alfa Watan. He said records showed the vessel loaded salt in Egypt, which was going to Romania. It was then going to load grain for a return trip to Egypt. The ship was 3,160 dwt and owned by Turkish interests.
Reports in the Turkish media said officials have proposed two safe transit corridors to be maintained in the Black Sea. Turkey has attempted to mediate safe passage for commercial shipping after having protested the death of its seafarers and attacks on its vessels.
