Marine drone detonates in Romanian Black Sea port

Key facts

• A marine drone self-destonated near an oil terminal in Romania's Black Sea port of Constanta.
• Ukraine stated the drone was one of theirs, lost control due to Russian electronic warfare, and drifted towards the coast.
• No casualties were reported from the detonation.
• Romanian authorities evacuated the port and nearby beaches as a precaution.
• This incident follows a previous drone crash in Galati and the detonation of a Russian mine by Romania's navy.

A marine drone self-destructed near an oil terminal in Romania's Black Sea port of Constanta on Friday. Ukraine's navy stated that one of its naval drones lost control due to Russian electronic warfare and drifted towards the Romanian coast, prompting them to warn Romanian authorities. The detonation occurred around 10:30 a.m. (0730 GMT), approximately four hours after its presence was noted. Following the incident, the port was evacuated, over 1,000 people were removed from nearby beaches and the Danube Delta as a precaution, and ships and two helicopters surveyed the area for additional drones. Restrictions were lifted later in the day after no further risks were detected. This event follows a prior incident a week earlier where a Russian drone crashed into an apartment building in Galati, injuring two people. Romania, a NATO and EU member, shares a 650-km border with Ukraine and has experienced repeated Russian drone incursions and floating mines in the Black Sea. Earlier in the week, Romania's navy detonated a Russian anti-landing mine. Officials highlighted the Constanta explosion as a direct consequence of Russia's war against Ukraine, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stating that Russia's war is increasingly a direct threat to countries on Europe's eastern border.