A maritime drone of a type used in the war in Ukraine self-detonated on 5 June at the Port of Constanta, Romania’s largest Black Sea port, near an oil terminal.
According to Reuters, the blast prompted evacuation and security measures, with authorities deploying aerial surveillance to check the surrounding area for additional devices.
Romania’s Ministry of National Defence said the incident occurred at around 10:30 a.m. local time at berth 78 in Constanta Port. The drone had reportedly been discovered earlier in the morning, at around 5:50 a.m. No casualties were reported.
Deputy Interior Minister Raed Arafat said authorities had evacuated the area as a precaution due to the possible risk of further self-detonations.
Two helicopters were deployed to survey the area for additional devices, while residents along parts of the Black Sea coast were warned to take cover. Romanian authorities also issued alerts and evacuated people from nearby coastal areas.
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The incident caused disruption at one of Europe’s key Black Sea gateways, which handles grain, bulk cargo and container traffic.
Romania has previously reported repeated drone airspace incursions linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine and has deployed anti-drone systems at strategic locations, including Constanta Port.
The incident follows a drone strike on a residential building in Galati on 29 May, which Romanian authorities said occurred during a Russian attack on Ukraine. Two people were injured in that incident.
