Romanian naval divers have destroyed a maritime drone in the Black Sea after identifying it as a threat to shipping, Romania’s ministry of national defence confirmed on Wednesday.

The divers specialized in countering explosive devices completed a mission on December 3 to neutralize an object that threatened navigation in the Black Sea. The drone was located approximately 36 nautical miles east of Constanta.

The incident once again highlights the complex security environment in the Black Sea, where drifting mines, debris, and unmanned systems continue to pose navigation risks for commercial vessels.

After analysing the object, the Romanian military concluded that it was a Sea Baby-type unmanned surface vehicle (maritime drone).

Sea Baby is a Ukrainian made multi-purpose unmanned surface vehicle (USV) developed for use during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The drone was drifting in the area, creating a navigational hazard in the Black Sea.

While a Romanian defence ministry spokesperson confirmed it was indeed a Sea Baby, they refrained from specifying the drone’s country of origin.

As informed, the operation was carried out to neutralize an object that was “endangering navigation in the Black Sea.”

According to media reports, the Ukrainian side claims that its operations are strictly conducted within designated areas and are aimed exclusively at striking legitimate Russian military targets.

Following operational procedures, the Romanian naval forces obtained clearance to neutralize the identified object, in accordance with the standard operational procedures in force, and executed a controlled detonation. By approximately 13:00 local time, the Sea Baby drone had been safely destroyed.

Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the country’s navy has significantly intensified its monitoring and security efforts in the Black Sea, both with its own ships and aircraft, and in cooperation with the Romanian armed forces and with other NATO member states.

This event underscores the volatile security landscape in the Black Sea, a vital conduit for global grain, oil, and oil product shipments. The region has witnessed a surge in maritime threats, including attacks on tankers. Such incidents have driven up insurance rates for vessels operating in these waters.

Romania’s ministry of national defence noted that more than 12,000 commercial vessels have passed safely through the region since February 2022.

Since the war started, roughly 150 drifting sea mines have been discovered and neutralized in the Black Sea, seven of which were destroyed by the Romanian naval forces, the Romanian defence ministry said.

Video credit: Romanian ministry of national defence