# One dead and three missing after cargo vessel capsizes in Black Sea

- **Source:** https://pelavox.com/black-sea-vessel-capsizes-constanta-crew-missing/
- **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping)
- **Author:** Jason Nicholson
- **Published:** 2026-10-23T19:27:28+00:00
- **Updated:** 2026-10-23T19:27:30+00:00
- **Section:** Shipping / Tankers
- **Type:** News
- **Topics:** Black Sea, Constanța, Maritime Accident, Romania, Search and Rescue

One person has died and three others remain missing following a serious maritime incident involving a Comoros-flagged commercial vessel in the Black Sea, approximately 13 nautical miles east of Constanța, Romania.

According to Romania’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, the vessel suffered a fire, sustained major damage and capsized, with authorities warning of an imminent risk of sinking.

Of the 13 people aboard, ten were initially recovered by another merchant vessel operating nearby. Nine were rescued alive, while one person was recovered deceased. Three others remained unaccounted for at the time of the official announcement.

In a subsequent update, Romanian authorities confirmed that all nine survivors had arrived safely ashore, where medical personnel were assessing their condition and providing necessary assistance.

## Search and rescue operation launched

Romania’s Coast Guard was notified of the incident by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Constanța at approximately 10:00 local time on Friday, 23 October.

Following the initial rescue by a nearby commercial vessel, the nine survivors were transferred to a Romanian Coast Guard vessel.

The Coast Guard subsequently continued search and rescue operations alongside a vessel operated by the Romanian Agency for Saving Human Life at Sea (ARSVOM), focusing on locating the three missing people.

A helicopter operated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ General Aviation Inspectorate was placed on preliminary alert to provide additional assistance if required. However, adverse weather conditions prevented an aerial response at the time of the announcement.

## Emergency response mobilised at Constanța

Romanian authorities also expanded the emergency response arrangements at the Port of Constanța to support the rescue operation.

The deployed medical resources included four SMURD ambulances, a mobile intensive care unit, two specialised vehicles for transporting personnel and multiple casualties, and an advanced medical post.

Medical teams and border police personnel were present when the survivors reached shore, conducting health assessments and providing assistance.

The Romanian Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed that the vessel was operating outside Romania’s territorial waters when the incident occurred.

The official statement did not establish the cause of the fire or provide a final assessment of the vessel’s condition.

Search and rescue operations for the three missing people were ongoing at the time of the latest official update.

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Cite as: "One dead and three missing after cargo vessel capsizes in Black Sea", pelavox., 23 October 2026, https://pelavox.com/black-sea-vessel-capsizes-constanta-crew-missing/