Romanian Port of Constanța Explodes Due to Maritime Drone

A maritime drone self‑detonated on Friday morning in the Black Sea port of Constanța, Romania, near an oil terminal. The explosion caused no injuries, but authorities evacuated the area and warned coastal residents to stay indoors. Romanian Defence Ministry officials said the device resembled drones used in the Russia‑Ukraine war and was not part of the Romanian armed forces.

Two helicopters were dispatched to scan the vicinity for additional drones, and the port was cordoned off by the Coast Guard, intelligence services and the Ministry of Defence. Deputy Interior Minister Raed Arafat commented, “We now know there is a risk of self‑detonation; we have evacuated the area in case there are more drones.” President Klaus Iohannis stressed that “protecting human life and the safety of port infrastructure is an absolute priority.” An investigation into the drone’s origin and the cause of the explosion is ongoing.