The ship EMIL, which had been drifting in the Black Sea after drone attacks, has been towed out of Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone, transport and communications minister Georgi Peev said in Burgas. The second ship, ABLE, is sailing away from Bulgarian waters.
This report follows our earlier story on the drone strikes on two merchant ships about 80 miles from Byala on 6 October.
At 8:30am, EMIL was 65 miles from the Bosphorus, under tow by a Turkish company's tug.
"It was never in our waters, and we made sure it was moved even out of our economic zone and our search and rescue zone," Peev said.
ABLE is heading south, even east, and Bulgarian institutions are watching it. There are no fears for now that the ship will enter Bulgarian waters, the minister said. The navy, the transport and defence ministries and the border police are part of the response plan.
"We have a preliminary plan to respond if it gets close to our waters," Peev said.
The minister defended how the authorities handled the rescue operation after the attacks. In his view, it was done professionally, with the equipment available. There was criticism over when and how the operation was ended.
Peev said Bulgaria needs more equipment. Officials are discussing buying a new specialised ship for sea rescue operations, but its technical specifications have not been finally set. The minister gave no date for the purchase. Officials are looking at options for EU funding.
Peev met Burgas mayor Dimitar Nikolov to discuss preparations for the city to host Eurovision in 2027. The ministry will help set up transport links with Sofia and Istanbul, including trains and flights.
They also spoke about road safety. Burgas council's project for a training ground for young drivers is ready, and the minister praised it. The ministry plans to build at least 6 such training grounds across Bulgaria, and the one in Burgas could serve as a model for the others.
Updated (12.10, 13:50): Transport minister Georgi Peev said the ship EMIL was hit by a drone near Odesa in early August, not near Byala on 6 October as first reported. Eighteen sailors were rescued from the second ship, ABLE.