Sofia Military District Prosecutor’s Office and Ministry of Interior's Counter-Terrorism Unit Continue Inspection of 'Chelsea' 3 Ship

Investigators are searching for traces of the drones that struck the ship ''Chelsea-3” in the Black Sea. After the heavily damaged vessel was towed to the port of Burgas, specialist services began looking for answers about the circumstances surrounding the attack. It also remains to be established whether the vessel will be able to sail again. What is known so far?

Black Sea Drone Attacks: All Crew Members of 'Chelsea 3' Rescued

Inspections at the attacked vessel 'Chelsea 3' continue. Today, they are being carried out under the supervision of the Sofia Military District Prosecutor’s Office, in coordination with the Interior Ministry’s specialised counter-terrorism unit. The inspections began yesterday.

Supervising prosecutor Major Kiril Peychinov told BNT that the 15-member crew of Chelsea 3 is due to be questioned before a judge.

Evidence is also being collected for subsequent expert examination, in an effort to establish the origin and type of explosive used.

Capt. Zhivko Petrov, Director of the Burgas Maritime Administration: “They are looking for a fragment that entered the hold during the explosion and sank to the bottom, which is why they are inspecting it. They are also probably examining explosive substances. I am not a specialist, but they usually look for chemical substances to establish the type of explosion and other related details. The shipowner will decide the fate of 'Chelsea 3' once the specialist authorities have finished their work. In my assessment, the vessel should be repaired, most likely at a Bulgarian shipyard. Whether in Burgas or Varna will be up to the shipowner, because personally, I would not undertake long-distance towing in its current condition.”

As previously reported, 'Chelsea 3' has sustained extensive damage. It has three breaches in its hull: two on the port and starboard sides of the cargo hold, and a third in the stern, where the compartment housing the ship’s control machinery is located. As a result, the vessel has lost its steering capability.