Three commercial vessels were hit by drones on 14 November near Romania’s Sulina Canal, one of the routes used to move Ukrainian exports to the Black Sea. Two of the ships were in Romanian territorial waters. No casualties were reported, and their crews brought the resulting fires under control.
By the editorial team. Polish original, published 15 November 2026.
The attacks took place on Saturday evening near the mouth of the Danube. Romania scrambled fighter aircraft twice in response. No perpetrator had been publicly identified when the incidents were reported.
Three vessels damaged near the Danube delta
The vessels were the Greek oil and chemical tanker Evia Petrol V, the bulk carrier Marsol and the product tanker Ali Najafov. The latter two sail under the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Romania’s Ministry of National Defence said Evia Petrol V and Marsol were struck four and five nautical miles southeast of the Sulina Canal, respectively, within Romanian territorial waters. Their crews controlled the fires, and no injuries were reported.
A separate cargo ship had been hit on 13 November. That earlier incident is not included in the total of three vessels struck on Saturday.
Sulina is part of Ukraine’s alternative export network
The Sulina Canal connects the Danube with the Black Sea and provides access to river ports. It is used to transport Ukrainian exports, including agricultural commodities.
Danube routes gained importance as alternatives for Ukrainian trade after Russia’s full-scale invasion. The latest incidents therefore occurred close to infrastructure that supports cargo movements between Ukraine, the river ports and the Black Sea.
There was no official confirmation that the canal had been closed or that Ukrainian exports had been suspended. The available information also did not make it possible to estimate any effect on freight rates, cargo handling or marine insurance.
Romania seeks more surveillance and anti-drone support
Romania scrambled fighters twice during the incidents and has asked allies for additional reconnaissance and anti-drone support. The attacks took place close to Romania’s maritime border, and therefore close to the external boundary of NATO.
Shipping companies and cargo operators using the area will need to follow official navigation and security notices as authorities assess the risk around the Danube delta.
Sources
Reuters, “Three ships struck by drones in Black Sea near Romanian shipping canal, PM says”, 15 November 2026; Romania’s Ministry of National Defence, information on the incidents of 14 November 2026.
