The Executive Agency "Maritime Administration," together with the General Directorate "Border Police" and the Navy, are carrying out an operation to rescue a vessel that has entered the territorial waters of the Republic of Bulgaria. This is one of the two ships that were hit by drones in the Black Sea two days ago.
Earlier in the day, maritime surveillance and control services established that a vessel had entered Bulgarian territorial waters but was not responding to attempts at communication. After notifying passing ships and making an inquiry to the Maritime Coordination Centre in Ankara, around 13:50 it was confirmed that this is the motor vessel Kairos with 10 people on board. In the early afternoon, a request was received from them for evacuation, following which, under the coordination of the Directorate for Emergency and Rescue Activities at the Executive Agency "Maritime Administration," a cutter from the General Directorate "Border Police" and a helicopter from the Navy were dispatched.
At 16:35, the ship dropped anchor about one nautical mile east of Ahtopol, and its movement is currently halted. This was confirmed by video footage provided by the Navy helicopter. The vessel is under constant observation due to heavy seas reaching Force 4.
A cutter from the General Directorate "Border Police" is in readiness with a specialized team to head towards the ship. Two tugboats are also in full readiness to join the operation.
Services continue actions to provide assistance and secure the situation. Adverse weather conditions in the area are severely hindering maneuvering and rescue actions.
Additional information will be provided as the situation develops.