Suspected Russian drones have hit several ships off Romania and neighbouring Bulgaria since last week, in a spillover from the Ukraine war. (EPA Images pic)BUCHAREST: Romania said eight people were missing after a fire broke out on a vessel flying the San Marino flag on Thursday morning, the latest incident in the Black Sea, which has seen a series of drone attacks.

Suspected Russian drones have hit several ships off Romania and neighbouring Bulgaria since last week in a spillover from the Ukraine war.

The vessel, named the Wine Trader, reported a fire at around 7am, approximately 13 nautical miles southeast of the Romanian city of Sulina, the Romanian Naval Authority said in a press release.

"There were 12 people on board the vessel. Four of them are safe, whilst eight are currently missing," it added.