CONTSHIP JET sinks near Shabla: sea-water checks

The CONTSHIP JET container ship, damaged in an incident in the Black Sea off Shabla on October 28, has sunk. Radio Varna reported the development, citing the Regional Administration in Varna. The outlet said the information was confirmed by maritime traffic control and the Maritime Administration.

This represents a new development compared with Wednesday's initial reports, when officials confirmed that the vessel had been struck in waters off Bulgaria's coast. The 18 crew members were evacuated and reached Varna safely, according to Bulgarian authorities and international news agencies.

According to Radio Varna, initial inspections found no visible oil slicks. Sea-water samples are scheduled to be collected on October 29 at five locations — Durankulak, Shabla, Cape Kaliakra, Byala and Sozopol. Laboratory results will be important in assessing any possible contamination. The sinking itself is not proof that the water is polluted.

5000.news reported on the initial incident on October 28. At the time of writing, the newsroom has no official confirmation of who was responsible for the incident.

Sources: Radio Varna / BNR — October 29, 2026; BTA — report of the sinking; BTA — planned water sampling.

Illustrative photo: Bent Van Aeken / Unsplash. The image does not show CONTSHIP JET or the incident.