Drone attacks on tankers off Romania leave 7 missing | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News - NHKニュース

Two tankers were struck by drones off Romania's Black Sea coast on Wednesday and Thursday, leaving seven crew members missing.

The attacks set both vessels ablaze.

The missing crew were among 12 sailors on board a San Marino-flagged tanker, which was struck on Thursday.

The incidents are the latest in a series of drone strikes on commercial ships near the Romanian and Bulgarian coasts of the Black Sea. Some of the attacks were fatal.

Speaking to reporters in Belgium on Thursday, Romanian President Nicusor Dan described the situation in the Black Sea as serious. He expressed concern that human lives, global trade and critical infrastructure are at risk.

He criticized Russia, saying it is trying to destabilize societies in Romania and Bulgaria, as well as other countries, particularly in Eastern Europe. He added that it is also seeking to weaken support for Ukraine. He said they will continue to support Ukraine.

Also on Thursday, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said in a social media post that he met with the leaders of Romania and Bulgaria and discussed the latest attacks and security in the Black Sea.

He added that NATO will continue to work closely with its allies in the Black Sea.