Following the sinking of the “Contship Jet” in the Black Sea, the Bulgarian Military Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation. Video analysis suggests the involvement of a Russian drone model. More than 20 containers went overboard.
The Liberian-flagged container ship “Contship Jet” was struck by three armed maritime drones in the Black Sea on Wednesday and subsequently sank. The ship was en route from Haifa in Israel to Constanța in Romania. The Bulgarian authorities have now launched a criminal investigation. There are also new indications regarding the type of drones used.
The attack took place around 17 nautical miles east of Cape Kaliakra in Bulgaria, within Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone. According to the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence, a total of three hits were recorded. A French maritime reconnaissance aircraft had previously alerted the authorities to the approaching unmanned surface vessels.
The 18-strong crew were able to abandon the vessel in time. The 14 Filipino and four Ukrainian seafarers were rescued by the Bulgarian Navy and border police and taken to Varna. According to the Greek ship manager Contships Management, none of the crew members suffered serious injuries.
Bulgarian military prosecutor’s office launches investigation
The Military Public Prosecutor’s Office in Sofia launched a formal investigation on Thursday. The investigation is focusing on suspected breaches of international humanitarian law. The Public Prosecutor’s Office explicitly refers to the provisions of the San Remo Manual on Armed Conflicts at Sea.
The investigation is focusing on the circumstances surrounding the attack on a merchant vessel flying the flag of the neutral state of Liberia. Among other things, the investigators aim to clarify the ownership structure, the cargo, the route taken and the extent of the damage. The surviving crew members are to be interviewed in Varna in connection with this.
Indications of a Russian drone type
There are also new findings regarding the possible origin of the maritime drones deployed. As reported by the Reuters news agency, citing the maritime security firm Ambrey, the drones could be a variant or further development of the Russian ‘Murena-300S’ drone model.
Ambrey analysed video footage apparently recorded by a crew member. It shows a matt-black unmanned surface vehicle, approximately 5 to 6 metres long, approaching the container ship at high speed. According to the analysts’ assessment, the manoeuvres observed suggest the drone is being remotely controlled.
A former high-ranking Ukrainian naval officer told Reuters that the drone did not resemble any Ukrainian model known to him.
However, it remains unclear who is behind the attack. The technical similarities with a Russian drone model do not prove Russian involvement. Moscow has denied any involvement in the recent attacks on merchant ships in the Black Sea.
More than 20 containers of dangerous goods went overboard
At the time of the attack, there were 421 containers on board the “Contship Jet”. According to the Bulgarian authorities, these included lithium-ion batteries, corrosive liquids, acids and other dangerous goods.
According to information from a Bulgarian specialist portal, more than 20 containers went overboard as a result of the attack and the severe list. The affected containers reportedly include those containing flammable gases, flammable liquids and other hazardous substances. A corresponding warning to mariners highlights the dangers posed by the cargo that has gone overboard.
Initial investigations revealed no visible signs of marine pollution. The Bulgarian Maritime Administration does not currently anticipate any significant impact on the marine environment. According to the authorities, the ship was carrying light gas oil as fuel, which can evaporate relatively quickly in the event of a spill.
Environmental monitoring is nevertheless continuing. Water samples have been taken at five locations along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, including Shabla, Cape Kaliakra and Sozopol. These will be analysed for any changes in water quality.
ZIM confirms attack
The Israeli container shipping company ZIM confirmed the attack on the chartered vessel in a customer notice. According to the notice, the shipping company was in close contact with the ship’s owner and was initially assessing the impact on the vessel and its cargo.
Further attacks on merchant ships in the Black Sea
The incident is the latest in a series of drone attacks on merchant ships in the western Black Sea. According to Bulgarian authorities, at least six ships were attacked off the country’s coast in October.
Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey condemned the attacks on civilian shipping. The three NATO member states agreed to cooperate more closely on information sharing, maritime surveillance and early warning.
