A drone measuring about 2 meters (6.6 feet) long and 1.5 meters (5 feet) wide washed ashore at Kabakum beach near the Bulgarian city of Varna on Wednesday morning, Bulgarian broadcaster BNT reported.
A specialized Bulgarian Navy team was sent to the scene to examine the device. According to preliminary information, the drone poses no danger. The area has been cordoned off and access for tourists and residents restricted.
Sixth drone found in recent days
The find is the latest in a series along Bulgaria’s northern Black Sea coast. According to military officials, the sea has washed up around six drones or drone fragments in recent days.
Navy sappers immediately secured the perimeter of the beach and began work on making the device safe.
Officials said a strong northeast wind and sea conditions of 3-4 on the Beaufort scale are behind the frequent appearance of drones along the northern Black Sea coast in recent days.
The debris or intact drones are likely linked to military operations in Ukraine and in Ukraine’s Black Sea waters, BNT reported.
Specialized teams are continuing work to establish the origin and condition of the drone found at Kabakum.
Previous instances
Earlier in August, an unidentified drone carrying a substantial explosive payload entered Bulgarian airspace from Romania and detonated in a field near the Kardam border crossing.
The drone had entered Bulgarian airspace from Romania, flying low enough to evade air defense systems, and detonated in a field close to the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline compressor station.
Prime Minister Rumen Radev confirmed that the device evaded radar detection due to its low flight altitude. However, the explosion caused no casualties or infrastructure damage, though it occurred near a Trans-Balkan gas pipeline facility.
As a result, the Bulgarian defense ministry announced that the drone which crashed and exploded near the Kardam border crossing on Aug. 8 was likely a Ukrainian “Maiia” decoy drone, adding that there was no evidence the crash was intentional.