Syria requests independent investigation into cargo ship sinking in Black Sea

Syrian authorities have called for an "independent and transparent" investigation into the sinking of the cargo ship Alfa Watan in the Black Sea, seeking information about the fate of the 10 crew members, which includes nine Syrians and one Egyptian, who are currently unaccounted for. The Togolese-flagged vessel sank in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone early on Tuesday amid an increase in drone strikes affecting shipping in the Black Sea during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The identity of the attackers remains unclear. Mazen Aloush, a representative from Syria’s port authority, has requested that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Bulgarian authorities investigate why search and rescue operations were halted before the missing sailors were located. Aloush stated, "Their fate is still unknown," and emphasized the need to determine "the reasons that led to the suspension of search and rescue operations." The same attack also affected the Palau-flagged ship Able, which caught fire, but 18 Turkish and Indian crew members were rescued from that vessel. Both ships were managed by companies based in Turkey, according to the Equasis merchant shipping database. The Syrian sailors’ union reported that communication with the crew of the Alfa Watan was lost and that no survivors were found after the search efforts were stopped. Aloush condemned the targeting of a civilian commercial vessel, labeling it a serious breach of maritime security and a threat to sailors. He indicated that the Syrian General Authority for Ports and Customs is closely monitoring the situation and urged authorities to utilize all available technical means to locate and inspect the wreckage to determine the cause of the sinking. Aloush also called for international and maritime organizations to enhance measures to protect commercial shipping as attacks in the Black Sea increase.