Dan Neculăescu condemns the new attack in the Black Sea: It represents a flagrant violation of international law and freedom of navigation

Foreign Minister Dan Neculăescu condemned the attack on a commercial vessel, which, according to the information available, was struck by a drone in the Black Sea, approximately 13 nautical miles from Constanța. The incident resulted in the death of a sailor, while other people were injured or are reported missing. Romanian authorities intervened after the crew sent an SOS message.

The attack took place amid the intensification of Russia’s war against Ukraine and growing risks to commercial shipping in the region. The head of Romanian diplomacy described the incident as a “flagrant violation of international law and freedom of navigation,” expressing condolences to the family of the deceased sailor.

“Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine is intensifying, and this directly affects commercial shipping in the Black Sea. This represents a direct threat both to regional security and to global security,” Neculăescu added.

According to the information presented, nine crew members were rescued, three remain missing, and one lost his life. The search and rescue operations of the Romanian Coast Guard continue.

Dan Neculăescu announced that Romania is cooperating with NATO allies, including Bulgaria and Turkey, to accelerate the commissioning of additional surveillance capabilities agreed at the meeting of the North Atlantic Council on October 20.