European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she was deeply concerned about another escalation by Russia in the Black Sea.

“Deeply alarmed by yet another Russian escalation in the Black Sea. A civilian vessel carrying Ukrainian and Azerbaijani crew has been struck off the coast of Romania. These reckless attacks target innocent lives and openly defy international law. My thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the sailor that was killed. And with the families of the three crew members still missing. My gratitude goes to the rescue teams working tirelessly to find them,” she wrote on X.

On the morning of October 23, a merchant vessel flying the flag of the Comoros sank off the coast of Romania in the Black Sea, reportedly after being struck by a drone.

There were 13 people on board: 10 Ukrainian citizens and three Azerbaijani citizens. Rescuers found nine survivors and the body of one person who died. Three other crew members remain missing, and the search operation is ongoing.