Reports indicate that oil pollution has been observed almost daily along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, particularly in areas between Rezovo, Sinemorets, Lozenets, Arkutino, and Kamchia.
While authorities attribute the pollution to old deposits stirred up by rough seas, environmental experts are calling for a comprehensive investigation into the source, considering potential culpability from commercial vessels and the so-called “ghost fleet” of Russia.
According to local reports, residents first noted large amounts of black, sticky residues on the beaches around June 18. Volunteer Iva Ianceva stated that the pollution was widespread at Silistar and Veleka beaches near Sinemorets, and that it continues to resurface despite cleanup efforts. “Just two days ago, we were cleaning the area, and last night the sea brought more oil ashore,” she remarked.
The Bulgarian Ministry of Environment and Water has confirmed receiving numerous complaints regarding the pollution, with inspections revealing fresh oil and other petroleum residues on multiple beaches. Local authorities and beach operators have been instructed to clean the affected areas.
Despite this, the Maritime Administration maintains that there is currently no active source of pollution offshore. Officials believe the material originates from “old deposits of petroleum products and waste” raised from the seabed by strong waves and winds, subsequently washed ashore. They argue that since the pollution is not recent, it is “objectively impossible” to identify those responsible.
However, environmental organizations are skeptical of this explanation. Hristo Panchev, a representative of Greenpeace Bulgaria, stated that it poses important unanswered questions. “If the pollution is old, when did it occur, and why wasn’t it detected in time?” he asked.
Panchev suggested that possible sources include ships illegally discharging waste into the sea, as well as oil tankers from Russia’s “ghost fleet.” Greenpeace experts are analyzing satellite images showing several suspicious dark patches in the Black Sea, including near the sanctioned tanker Kairos, which remains off the Bulgarian coast after being abandoned in late 2025.
He emphasized that satellite images alone are insufficient and urged for chemical analyses of the residues, as well as inspections of vessels operating in the area. “If these procedures are carried out promptly and properly, there is a chance the responsible party can be identified and held accountable,” he stated.
Photo: © Svetlana Romanova | Dreamstime.com
