The cargo ship Chelsea 3, hit by three drones and with no one on board, stopped drifting south at about 3am today. Its anchor has most likely touched the seabed, said Zdravko Vasilev, who tracks the ship's movements. The risk to the coast near Tsarevo remains.
This story follows our earlier report on the plan, announced by prime minister Rumen Radev, to tow the drone-hit ship off Byala to Burgas and inspect it.
All 15 crew members were rescued. The wind and currents then pushed the empty ship south. It is now about 10 nautical miles east of Tsarevo, level with Koral beach. The "Let's Save Koral" association also tracked its position and confirmed that the ship is no longer moving south.
No one has officially confirmed that the anchor is holding firmly or that the ship will not drift again. Vasilev said the Black Sea changes fast in autumn and forecasts are not always right, so the pause does not mean the ship is finally secure.
"The prevailing north-east winds could again turn the ship into a serious danger, especially for the towns and villages south of Tsarevo," he warned.
Yesterday the Maritime Administration tried to take control of the ship and tow it to the port of Burgas, but failed. The specialist tug ALIOTH reached Chelsea 3, but bad weather stopped the emergency team from boarding. The sea was rough and rescuers were at risk, so the Burgas port captain halted the operation for now. The tug returned without the ship.
"Towing a ship in this state is an extremely risky operation," Vasilev said. He said it calls for very careful judgment, and the safety of the sailors must come first. He hopes it will pass without incidents and without risk to human life.
The Ministry of Transport and Communications said the inspection and towing of the ship will continue when the weather allows.