ATTACKS on cargo vessels off the coast of NATO members Romania and Bulgaria have surged in recent weeks, the latest fallout from the escalating fighting between Russia and Ukraine in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov.

Here is a list of attacks on vessels and other major incidents near the two western Black Sea states in recent weeks.

October 5 - The Royad Mammadov general cargo ship, flying the flag of St Kitts and ​Nevis, was struck 30 nautical miles (55 km) south of the Romanian town of Sfantu Gheorghe. Two crew members died.

October 6 - Togo-flagged general cargo vessel Alfa Watan sank after it was hit by a drone about 70 nautical miles off eastern Bulgaria's coastal town of Byala. Twelve crew members were listed missing.