# Black Sea drone attack on Chelsea-3 vessel > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/black-sea-drone-attack-on-chelsea-3-vessel > Updated: 2026-10-21T15:02:57.000Z. Sources: 23. Developments: 5. The Maltese-flagged vessel Chelsea-3, which was struck by drones in the Black Sea on October 13, has been towed to the port of Burgas, Bulgaria, following a high-risk salvage operation. All 15 crew members—comprising seven Ukrainians and eight Azerbaijanis—were rescued and transported to Varna. Inspections revealed three significant hull breaches on the starboard side, port side, and stern. The attack, involving three drones, occurred approximately 18 nautical miles east of Beyala within Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone. Bulgarian authorities, including the Military Prosecutor's Office, have launched a pre-trial investigation to determine the origin of the drones and the nature of the explosives used, with support from allied technical teams. Bulgarian officials are working to clarify the nature of debris found on the ship. While Transport Minister Georgi Peev confirmed that remains have been recovered, Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov noted that technical expertise is still required to determine if the remains originated from the drones or the ship's own hull. As of October 21, forensic investigations continue in Burgas. Specialized teams, including Counter-Terrorism Special Forces, have recovered debris from the hull for chemical analysis to identify the explosive substances used. Prosecutor Kiril Peychinov noted that while some suggest the fragments are from drones, this remains unconfirmed. Between 11 and 15 surviving crew members have been questioned by an arbitrator. Access to the vessel remains restricted due to the ongoing inquiry. To bolster security, Bulgaria has expanded its Black Sea surveillance, with a third unmanned system having completed its initial flights. ## Claims - The vessel Chelsea 3 sustained three large breaches in its hull. (corroborated by 7 sources) - The Military Prosecutor's Office has opened a pre-trial investigation into the Chelsea 3 incident. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The Chelsea 3 was towed to the port of Burgas. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The Chelsea 3 was attacked by three drones on October 13, 2026, in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Drone remains were discovered on the Chelsea 3 vessel. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Commercial ship traffic in the Black Sea has not decreased following the drone incidents. (corroborated by 4 sources) - A US Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft is patrolling the Black Sea following a joint decision with NATO. (corroborated by 4 sources) - An inter-institutional task force has been created to coordinate the investigation. (corroborated by 3 sources) - There is no data indicating environmental pollution following the incident. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Bulgaria plans to acquire a specialized search and rescue ship by the end of 2029. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The drones used in the attack may have been produced by a third country, not Russia or Ukraine. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Current technology cannot definitively determine the origin of a drone. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-21: Bulgaria investigates debris found on Chelsea 3 vessel Bulgarian investigators are analyzing debris found on the damaged Chelsea 3 vessel to determine if the attack involved drones or other explosives. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgaria-investigates-debris-found-on-chelsea-3-vessel ### 2026-10-20: Bulgarian ports report stable Black Sea shipping traffic Bulgarian officials report stable shipping traffic to Varna and Burgas ports despite Black Sea military activity. Investigations are underway regarding damage to the vessel ‘Chelsea 3’. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgarian-ports-report-stable-black-sea-shipping-traffic ### 2026-10-19: Bulgaria investigates drone attack on Chelsea 3 in Black Sea Bulgaria is investigating a drone attack on the Chelsea 3 in its exclusive economic zone. Authorities are analyzing debris found on the vessel while NATO and US reconnaissance aircraft increase Black Sea patrol 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chelsea-3-vessel-sustains-severe-structural-damage-from-drone-strike ### 2026-10-17: Chelsea 3 vessel towed to Burgas after drone attack The Chelsea 3 vessel has been towed to Burgas after a drone attack in the Black Sea left it with three major hull breaches. Investigations into the attack's origin are ongoing. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chelsea-3-vessel-towed-to-burgas-after-black-sea-drone-attack-1 ### 2026-10-15: Chelsea-3 vessel towed to Burgas after drone attack in Black Sea The Maltese-flagged vessel Chelsea-3, struck by drones in the Black Sea, has been towed to Burgas, Bulgaria. Authorities have opened a criminal investigation into potential violations of international laws of a 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgaria-attempts-to-tow-drifting-vessel-chelsea-3 --- Cite as: Black Sea drone attack on Chelsea-3 vessel. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/black-sea-drone-attack-on-chelsea-3-vessel