Union Declares Crew of Drone-Hit Ship Alfa Watan Dead After Search Ends

Egypt's maritime officers union declared the crew of the drone-struck Alfa Watan dead after Bulgarian authorities permanently halted Black Sea search operations.

• The maritime officers union announced the death of the entire crew after Bulgarian authorities ended search and rescue for the missing sailors.
• Rescuers found an overturned lifeboat, three life jackets and lifebuoys; union head Captain El-Sayed El-Shazly said the wreck lies at about 2,000 metres depth.
• El-Shazly said the ship sank after a drone attack roughly 70 nautical miles east of the Bulgarian coastal city of Byala; no party has claimed responsibility.
• The family of missing captain Mahmoud Abdel Aati, father of two with a third child expected, awaits official confirmation; his wife appealed to President Sisi and the foreign minister.