Bulgaria has asked the EU and NATO for technical help to continue its investigation into an attack on two merchant ships in its exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea, the Council of Ministers press office said. Prime minister Rumen Radev also asked the European Maritime Safety Agency for help, because despite the state's efforts no remains of the drones have been found that could show where they came from. See our original report: Democratic Bulgaria calls for emergency hearing after strike on ships.
The ships were hit at around 3:00am on 6 October by sea and aerial drones. At a Council of Ministers meeting the same day, Radev said both vessels had been damaged.
The letters are addressed to European Council president António Costa, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and NATO secretary general Mark Rutte. In them, Radev writes that allied support is needed and calls for the issue to be handled as a priority because it is urgent.
The aim is to examine all available physical evidence, satellite data and all the information gathered on the attack. Bulgaria is already in contact with NATO about allied support. According to Radev, the EU has a major role to play because it provides technical help through the Commission and its agencies.
In the letter, Radev also points to what Bulgaria did during the rescue operation and the investigation.
He says Bulgaria strongly condemns military attacks on merchant shipping and civilian seafarers and is determined to identify those responsible. It will do everything needed to establish responsibility beyond doubt, and after that it is ready to take all possible diplomatic and legal action under international law against the perpetrator.
Follow-up: Bulgaria wants joint EU action on Black Sea security