Bulgaria investigates debris found on Chelsea 3 vessel

Bulgarian authorities are conducting a forensic investigation into the damaged vessel Chelsea 3, which was attacked in the Black Sea. Between 11 and 15 surviving crew members have been questioned by an arbitrator as part of the ongoing inquiry.

Specialized teams, including the Counter-Terrorism Special Forces, have recovered debris from the ship's hull. Experts are performing chemical analyses to identify the exact type of explosive substance used and are working to determine if the recovered fragments belong to the vessel itself, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), or a maritime drone. Prosecutor Kiril Peychinov noted that while some have suggested the pieces are from drones, it is not yet confirmed.

Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov stated that access to the ship, currently located in the port of Burgas, remains restricted due to the pre-trial investigation led by the Military Prosecutor's Office. Meanwhile, Bulgaria is expanding its Black Sea surveillance capabilities, with a third unmanned system having completed its initial flights in the country.