Black Sea Shipping: Drone Attacks Leave 31 Sailors Dead or Missing

At least 31 seafarers are dead or missing after a series of drone strikes halted much of the commercial traffic in the Black Sea. Maritime analysts report that nearly 50 commercial vessels were attacked this month as the war between Russia and Ukraine expanded to the water. NATO has responded by deploying additional patrol boats and radar systems to secure the shipping corridor.

The attacks have concentrated in the western Black Sea, including areas off the coasts of NATO members Bulgaria and Romania. On Friday, a search and rescue operation began after a Comoros-flagged ship was struck just outside Romanian territorial waters. One body has been recovered from the 13-crew vessel, and three people remain missing. Romanian President Nicușor Dan blamed Russia for the incident.

Data from the maritime risk firm Ambrey indicates that more than 500 attacks on commercial vessels occurred in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov this year. The firm attributes 40 of the 45 attacks recorded in October to Russia. The Russian Ministry of Defence acknowledged striking dozens of ships this month, claiming the targets supported Ukraine's military.

One such target was the cargo ship HS Dignity, which was hit by a sea drone just after 1:30 a.m. on Oct. 13. The 123-metre vessel was heading from Algeria to Romania to load grain. Chief officer Ashraf Mamdouh, 42, said the crew saw an uncontrolled boat approach the sinking ship, mistaking it for a rescue vessel before realizing it was part of the attack group. Mamdouh is one of five survivors. Eleven crew members, including 18-year-old Syrian national Hamza Suleiman, are listed as missing.

Suleiman's father, Basel, said his son called on the night of Oct. 12 to say they were in Bulgaria. Basel attempted to arrange for his son to leave the ship in Turkey, but Mamdouh kept him aboard. Mamdouh last saw Suleiman wearing a life jacket, a detail that keeps his father hopeful. The Philippine government has barred its citizens from boarding vessels in the northern Black Sea.

Shipping companies are reducing their presence in the region. Demre İşcen, chief financial officer of Turkey-based ED Shipping, stated that 19 of the company's 26 vessels are now laid up. İşcen said the company is losing millions of dollars each month. The firm's ship Circon was hit on June 5 in the Sea of Azov, killing two crew members. Ukraine said the targeted vessels carried stolen Ukrainian grain, military cargo, and fuel, a claim İşcen disputes.

Khaldoun Nabelsi, head of the Syrian Seafarers Association of the U.K., counted at least 18 Syrian seafarers killed in recent strikes. He noted that while no one is forced to take these jobs, economic pressure often requires them. The surviving crew of the HS Dignity are currently waiting in Bulgaria for new documents to fly home.

Mamdouh said he will not return to the Black Sea. He and his remaining crewmates are staying in the region until their paperwork is complete.