Why is the Black Sea so deadly?

This body of water is deadlier for merchant sailors than anywhere else on Earth. It's not the Gulf, it's the Black Sea. Almost 600 ships have been attacked here this year, according to maritime security firm Ambrey. At least 40 sailors have been reported killed. That's almost double the number of sailor deaths around the Strait of Hormuz. So why is it so dangerous? Vessels are getting caught in the crossfire as Russia and Ukraine escalate their fight for control. In recent weeks, cargo ships have come under attack by drones of Romania and Bulgaria. Dozens of sailors have been killed and many are still missing. Romania blames Russia. Bulgaria, meanwhile, just elected a president who favors dialogue with Moscow, Iliana Iotova, who opposes military aid to Ukraine. But both countries, alongside Turkey, have called on NATO to increase its presence in the Black Sea to protect shipping. Turkey controls the Bosphorus and Dardanelles, the only waterways in and out of the Black Sea. Ankara proposed a plan to keep grain and other commercial shipments moving safely. Washington says it's examining that proposal. I think there's growing interest. From the international community to serving as either guarantors and or facilitators of Thank you. of some sort of agreement that allows, because of the threat it's posing, not just energy but primarily the food and grain. Grain from Ukraine and Russia feeds millions across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. NATO is sending more patrol planes, radars and drones to watch the region. But as Europe's deadliest war since World War II spreads further into a sea shared by six countries, Russia and NATO members are getting dangerously close to direct confrontation.