Drone images surface before explosion: It got stuck in a Constanța Port barrier, 4 km from an ammonium nitrate depot

A maritime drone detonated in Romania's Port of Constanța on Friday, triggering a maximum alert due to the proximity of a large ammonium nitrate storage facility. The drone was observed drifting near a pollution barrier before it exploded around 10:30 AM.

The critical risk stems from a warehouse approximately 4 kilometers from the explosion site, containing hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate, a highly explosive chemical. Authorities are actively relocating this hazardous material to avert a potential catastrophe. The area also houses Oil Terminal, the largest oil transport operator.

Following the drone's discovery, the area was secured, and evacuation orders were issued, including RO-Alert messages and the activation of the Red Intervention Plan. Office buildings in the peninsula area were also being evacuated.

The Ministry of National Defense confirmed they were notified early Friday morning about the maritime drone, described as similar to those used in the war in Ukraine. Officials stated the object did not belong to the Romanian Army and was not involved in recent Black Sea military exercises. The case is under investigation by the Constanța Court of Appeal Prosecutor's Office. Public information suggests the device might be a Ukrainian Sea Baby maritime drone, known for its speed and range.