2 crew members killed after commercial ship catches fire and sinks in Black Sea
Structures of Romaniaโs Ministry of Internal Affairs carried out a complex search-and-rescue operation after a commercial vessel caught fire and sank in the Black Sea.
Eleven members of the crew were rescued. Two other people were found dead.
The incident was reported around 11:00 local time on 5 October 2026. Border police from the Coast Guard were alerted by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Constanศa that a fire had broken out on a commercial ship located in Romaniaโs exclusive economic zone, approximately 30 nautical miles south of the locality of Sfรขntul Gheorghe.
MRCC Constanศa immediately launched a search-and-rescue operation for those in danger at sea. A Coast Guard vessel was designated as the on-scene coordinator.
Border police, working together with colleagues from the General Aviation Inspectorate, responded at once. A helicopter from the General Aviation Inspectorate winched the injured crew members aboard so they could receive emergency medical assistance.
The operation remains ongoing, with Coast Guard ships and the aviation helicopter continuing specific activities at the scene.