Dominican-Flagged Cargo Ship Sinks After Black Sea Drone Attack

A Dominican-flagged cargo ship sank Friday in the Black Sea after being damaged in what Romanian authorities believe was a drone attack, adding to the security risks facing commercial vessels operating near the war zone between Russia and Ukraine.

The vessel, identified as the Progress IV, was sailing toward the Turkish port of Tekirdag when it was reportedly struck and caught fire. It went down in Romania’s exclusive economic zone, about 15 nautical miles from the mouth of the Sfantu Gheorghe branch of the Danube.

Romanian authorities launched a search-and-rescue operation Thursday night after another merchant vessel reported seeing people in the water. The response took place in difficult conditions, with waves reaching approximately 2.5 meters.

All 12 Crew Members Rescued

The Progress IV was carrying 199 containers of sugar and 5,643 tons of clay. Its crew consisted of 12 sailors, including eight Ukrainians and four Azerbaijanis.

Ten crew members were pulled from the water by a Romanian border patrol vessel, while the other two were rescued by the merchant ship that raised the alarm. One sailor suffered minor injuries to his hands.

All 12 crew members were taken to a hospital for medical evaluation and were later discharged, according to Romania’s Coast Guard.

Romanian President Confirms Attack Hypothesis

Romanian President Nicusor Dan, who was visiting neighboring Moldova when the incident occurred, said the vessel had been hit but that authorities had not yet determined who was responsible or the motive for the attack.

Crew members told Romanian media that the ship was struck by three drones over roughly one hour. Two impacts reportedly hit the vessel on its port side and another on the starboard side.

The circumstances remain under investigation by the Romanian Naval Authority, which is responsible for determining how the incident unfolded.

Growing Risks for Black Sea Shipping

The sinking highlights the challenges facing commercial shipping in the Black Sea, where military activity linked to the Russia-Ukraine war has increased the risks for vessels operating along major regional trade routes.

Adrian Mihalcioiu, leader of Romania’s Free Seafarers Union, said the incident appeared to involve drones capable of causing fires or explosions. He also warned that commercial operators may need to consider safer routes as threats to navigation persist.

The Progress IV incident does not involve Dominican territory, but the ship’s registration under the Dominican flag places the country’s maritime registry directly in the international shipping story. The case also illustrates how vessels registered in one country can face security threats while operating thousands of miles away in strategically important waters.

Romanian authorities have yet to establish who carried out the attack or why the vessel was targeted. Those questions remain central to the ongoing investigation as commercial shipping continues to operate in a Black Sea environment affected by the war.