In the early hours of Wednesday, fishermen and local residents along the coast of Shabla, Bulgaria, reported the sight of the tanker Mentor drifting near the shoreline. The vessel, which is believed to be carrying approximately 11,000 tonnes of sunflower oil, was originally en route from the Port of Constanta in Romania to a Bulgarian port when the tow operation failed.
According to the Bulgarian Ministry of Transport and Communications, the failed tow occurred when the tugboat Ramazan Bey, assigned to carry the tanker across the Black Sea, experienced a break in its towlines. The incident happened while the tug was operating from Constanta, where the operation began under standard maritime protocols.
After the towlines failed, the tugboat remained in the vicinity of the drifting tanker. Maritime authorities have instructed the tug’s crew to maintain their position near the vessel until a resolution is achieved. The tug is continuing to transmit signals via the Automatic Identification System, enabling authorities to track both its own location and that of the Mentor.
The ministry’s press office added that the tug’s crew is in continuous contact with vessel traffic control services. These services have directed that the tugboat stay close to the tanker, allowing for real‑time updates on the vessel’s movements and any potential hazards to nearby shipping lanes.
Further investigations are underway to ascertain the cause of the towline failure. The Bulgarian authorities are gathering additional information about the incident and have already established contact with the tanker’s owner, who is cooperating with the investigation. The owner’s statements have not yet been released to the public.
While the tug remains active in the area, the Ministry of Transport and Communications is coordinating with the maritime administrations of both Bulgaria and Romania to assess the situation and outline potential response actions. The monitoring effort involves both national and international maritime agencies that oversee the Black Sea shipping routes.
Current Status of the Vessel
The towing failure has left the Mentor adrift, and its path is uncertain. Continuing currents in the Black Sea could push the vessel toward risk zones, endangering coastal infrastructure and the broader marine environment.
By mid‑day on Wednesday, officials confirmed that the tugboat Ramazan Bey had not attempted a second tow due to safety concerns. The tug’s crew is awaiting explicit instructions from maritime authorities before proceeding with any new towing attempts.
The Ministry of Transport and Communications stated that their operations continue around the clock to monitor the tanker’s position. They are also assessing potential environmental impacts and the risk of oil leakage from the vessel’s tanks, although no signs of contamination have been reported to date.
International Cooperation and Next Steps
Maritime administrations from both Bulgaria and Romania are collaborating to ensure a coordinated response. The Bulgarian authorities have opened a joint task force that includes representatives from constabulary maritime services, environmental protection agencies, and the vessel’s insurance company.
Potential next steps include an emergency tug assistance protocol, if the Mentor’s course threatens offshore installations or dangerous waters. Meanwhile, economic and trade officials are monitoring the impact on shipping schedules, given that the tanker was destined for a major container port in Bulgaria.
While the situation remains fluid, the Bulgarian Ministry of Transport and Communications emphasized that it is monitoring the tanker’s drift and coordinating responses with relevant maritime authorities. Continued updates are expected as new information becomes available about the vessel’s movements and potential recovery operations.
