Two chemical tankers caught fire in Romanian waters near the Sulina Canal. The ships are named Wine Trader and Yara J. A search and rescue operation was under way in the area.

The BBC said the search followed the latest attack. Reuters reported that high waves slowed rescue efforts.

Deutsche Welle and The Guardian reported seven missing. Reuters also reported seven missing.

Reuters added that five people were rescued from Wine Trader. The BBC reported eight missing after unconfirmed reports of a drone attack.

Deutsche Welle reported that Russian drones were seen in Romanian airspace. The sightings came before the fires.

But Reuters said officials had not linked the fires to drones. The Guardian reported suspected Russian drones hit several ships.

The hits happened off Romania and Bulgaria since last week. Reuters said at least five other ships were hit over 10 days. Reuters reported at least 23 sailors had been lost.