SULINA, ROMANIA, 15 October, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Seven sailors remain missing after a Black Sea ship fire aboard the San Marino-flagged chemical tanker Wine Trader, prompting a major search and rescue operation off Romania’s coast. The emergency follows another tanker fire in the region, raising concerns about maritime security amid continuing drone activity linked to the war in Ukraine.
Romanian Rescue Teams Search for Seven Missing Sailors
The Romanian Naval Authority confirmed that the Wine Trader issued an emergency alert at approximately 7 am on Thursday, reporting a fire in the vessel’s superstructure.
The tanker was approximately 13 nautical miles south-east of Sulina, near the mouth of the Danube River.
Twelve people were aboard when the emergency occurred. Five crew members were rescued, while seven remained missing in the authority’s updated report.
Romanian officials confirmed that the vessel was not carrying cargo when the incident occurred.
Specialist maritime rescue vessels and aircraft were deployed to the area, although high waves complicated the operation.
Second Tanker Fire Raises Maritime Security Concerns
Another chemical tanker, the Comoros-flagged Yara J, also caught fire near Romania’s Black Sea coastline. All its crew members were reported safe.
The incidents occurred against a backdrop of increased drone activity near Romania and Ukraine.
Romanian President Nicuşor Dan said aerial drones had struck the two vessels but did not identify their origin.
Authorities have not publicly established who was responsible for the reported strikes.
Romanian Authorities Investigate the Incidents
Romanian Defence Minister Radu Miruţă confirmed that investigators were examining the circumstances surrounding the fires.
The Romanian Naval Authority separately confirmed the emergency response, the number of people aboard the Wine Trader and the deployment of specialist rescue resources.
The investigation is expected to establish how the fires started and clarify the circumstances of the reported drone strikes.
Black Sea Shipping Faces Growing Risks
The Black Sea remains a strategically important commercial shipping corridor, particularly for Ukrainian agricultural exports and international trade.
The Sulina route connects maritime traffic with the Danube, providing access to ports and transport networks serving several European countries.
Commercial vessels operating near the conflict zone have faced growing security threats as Russia’s war in Ukraine continues.
Recent attacks on merchant shipping have increased concerns about the protection of civilian crews and the reliability of regional transport routes.
Why the Tanker Fires Matter for Europe
The latest incidents have implications beyond Romania’s coastline.
Disruption to shipping routes could affect commercial transport, insurance arrangements and the movement of agricultural commodities.
Romania’s position as a NATO member also gives incidents near its territorial waters wider security significance.
NATO has maintained contact with Romanian authorities over developments in the Black Sea, where protecting maritime infrastructure and civilian shipping remains an important regional concern.
What Happens Next in the Rescue Operation?
Romanian emergency services are continuing efforts to locate the seven missing sailors, subject to conditions at sea.
Investigators are also examining the tanker fires and the reported drone activity.
Further official findings will be needed to establish responsibility and determine whether the two incidents were connected.
The immediate priority remains locating the missing crew members while ensuring the safety of rescue personnel operating in challenging maritime conditions.
