A tugboat sank on Wednesday in Midia Port, in the Dana 1 area.
One person was pulled out of the water, brought to the dock, and resuscitation maneuvers were performed, but unfortunately, without success, as the victim was declared deceased.
It appears that the other 4 people on board may have also perished, but there is no official confirmation yet.
"There is suspicion that four other individuals on board may have died, with search and rescue operations currently ongoing," stated representatives of the Romanian Naval Authority, as cited by News.ro.
The incident occurred during assistance maneuvers for unloading a tanker at the offshore terminal.
The General Director of the National Company Maritime Ports Administration Constanta, Mihai Teodorescu, stated on Digi24 that the ship reported engine failure, subsequently capsizing to starboard.
"The ship turned upside down and then sank stern first," Mihai Teodorescu specified.
There are several hypotheses regarding the causes of the incident, including a maneuvering error and strong currents. Authorities will investigate all factors that led to this accident.
He added that the ship was built in 2006.
"This morning, around 08:40, a tugboat from Midia Marine Terminal sank during the assistance maneuvers for unloading a tanker at the offshore terminal within the Midia port area," conveyed Midia Marine Terminal company, according to Ziua de Constanța.
"At present, the situation is being managed by the competent authorities - ISU 'Dobrogea' Constanța and ARSVOM, with whom the company is in direct contact. The unloading maneuvers of the ship at the terminal have been safely stopped, with no additional risks," Midia Marine Terminal further specified.