Naval drone explodes at Romania's Constanta port during inspection

Romanian authorities confirmed on Friday that a naval drone exploded at the Black Sea port of Constanta while specialists were inspecting the device, which had been recovered from the water earlier and transported to the facility for assessment.

The Romanian Intelligence Service, Coast Guard, and Ministry of National Defense had secured the area before the blast, and no casualties were reported in the incident. Authorities evacuated the surrounding zone as a precautionary measure and initiated a formal investigation into the circumstances of the explosion, according to local media reports.

Investigation and Origin

Officials stated the maritime drone resembled models used in the war in Ukraine and emphasized that the device did not belong to Romania's military inventory nor was it connected to recent Defense Ministry exercises. The object had been brought ashore for examination when it detonated during the safety assessment process, Antena 3 CNN reported.

Romanian authorities have not disclosed the drone's origin or explained how it traveled to the country's shores. The investigation continues as officials work to determine whether the device drifted into Romanian waters or was deliberately directed toward the strategic Black Sea port.