The National Air, Water and Railway Accident Investigation Board will conduct an independent investigation into the reasons that led to the incident with the fishing vessel VH 8112 in the Black Sea. The investigation will begin after the submission of all documents and materials by the competent institutions.
We recall the chronology of events and the actions taken by the competent authoritiesties
On February 18, 2026, at 11:10 a.m., the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center - Varna received a signal from the Coastal Center - Varna about the loss of radar contact with a fishing vessel VN 8112, located in the area of Maslen Nos.
The specialized system for monitoring the identification marks of fishing vessels (AIS) of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Agency, which is the responsible body for monitoring fishing vessels in Bulgarian waters, reported the last position of the vessel at 08:37. According to the Agency, there are three people on board, and the vessel has the necessary emergency and rescue equipment.
After analyzing the data in the system of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center - Varna, the last position of the ship was established - 42°21.31 N/027°54.54. Immediately after receiving the signal, a "disaster" stage was declared and the National Maritime Search and Rescue Plan was activated, with all responsible institutions provided for therein being involved in the operation. A motor rescue boat of the Maritime Administration Agency was sent to the scene of the incident, which conducted a detour, but due to a sharp deterioration in weather conditions at 12:50 p.m., it suspended its activities. Meanwhile, a "PAN-PAN" message was broadcast to all vessels in the area. A cutter of the General Directorate of the Border Police was also involved in the operation, which also terminated its operations at 13:45 due to worsening hydrometeorological conditions. At 1:35 p.m., the frigate "Drazki" from the Navy headed to the area.
The meteorological situation in the area is extremely unfavorable, with strong winds, significant waves and an increased risk of icing, which does not allow the use of aircraft from the Navy on the first day of the operation. At 6:05 p.m., the search and rescue operation was terminated as the "Drazki" frigate remained in the area and continued its inspection overnight.
The air and water search operations were resumed the next day (February 19) with a Navy helicopter and a General Directorate of the Border Police cutter. A request for assistance was sent to the Joint Maritime and Aviation Search and Rescue Center - Ankara (JRCC). Volunteers and Border Police teams are participating in the search on the Bulgarian coast, including the use of drones. Volunteers report the presence of a spot in the area ofthe disappearance of the fishing vessel. A boat of the Maritime Administration Agency is sent to the indicated location to verify the reported signal, but no spill has been detected. Meanwhile, the General Directorate of Emergency and Rescue Activities at the Maritime Administration Agency is sending a request to the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) for the provision of satellite images of the entire area.
On 20 February 2026, the first diving survey of the site was carried out by a specialized team of the Navy, which confirmed that the ship had sunk at a depth of about 40 meters. The survey was partial due to turbid water and underwater currents. A message continues to be broadcast to seafarers and communication with the JRCC Ankara, who inform that their search activities over the last two days remain unsuccessful.
Bad weather on 21 February 2026 prevented diving surveys. The European Maritime Safety Agency reported an anomaly in three optical images, and the photo provided later did not show objects in the water. The "PAN-PAN" warning continued to be issued and the monitoring of the coastline by mobile teams continued on Sunday.
Search and rescue operations continued on 23 February (Monday). The JRCC Ankara has received information that there is no data on the missing fishermen. After additional underwater surveys by the Navy, it was found that there were no holes in the ship's hull. A cutter of the Regional Directorate of the Border Police has patrolled the area around Tsarevo.
On February 24, another diving survey of the vessel was carried out, which also confirmed the conclusion that the hull of the sunken ship is intact, without any damage or traces of impact. The bodies of the crew members have not been found. All materials from the surveys of the competent institutions will be provided to the National Board for the Investigation of Accidents in Air, Water and Railway Transport. After the investigation is completed, the Board will prepare a final report, which is public.