Syria calls for an independent investigation into the sinking of the cargo ship Alfa Watan in the Black Sea

On Thursday, October 8, Syria asked the International Maritime Organization and the Bulgarian authorities to conduct an independent investigation into the sinking of the cargo ship Alfa Watan in the Black Sea. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning, in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone, and the ten crew members are missing.

According to Reuters, cited by Agerpres, the vessel was allegedly attacked before sinking. There were nine Syrian citizens and one Egyptian citizen on board. So far, there is no confirmed information about their fate.

Mazen Aloush, director of international relations at the Syrian General Authority for Ports and Customs, said the investigation must clarify both the circumstances of the attack and sinking, as well as the reasons why search and rescue operations were halted before the crew’s situation had been established.

Syria’s request concerns both the international organization specializing in navigation safety and the authorities of Bulgaria, in whose exclusive economic zone the incident occurred. Until the checks are completed, the exact causes of the sinking remain unclear.