Seven crew missing after drone strike ignites tanker off Romania

A merchant tanker caught fire and seven crew members went missing after being struck by a drone off Romania's Black Sea coast, maritime authorities confirmed. The vessel was engaged in commercial operations when it came under attack, with the impact causing significant damage and triggering an onboard fire.

Rescue teams deployed to the area have begun systematic search operations to locate the missing personnel. The vessel's remaining crew were accounted for, though details regarding their condition and the extent of injuries remain unclear at this stage.

The attack adds to escalating tensions in the Black Sea, where commercial shipping has faced recurring threats over recent months. International shipping organisations have flagged the region as increasingly hazardous, with multiple incidents reported involving both crewed and unmanned strikes against vessels transiting the waters.

Investigations into the precise circumstances of the attack are ongoing. Authorities have not yet released formal statements regarding attribution or the operational details surrounding the drone engagement.