Gas Tanker En Route to Ukraine Catches Fire Near Romania, Likely Hit by Drone

A Liberian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker, Gas Lisbon, caught fire off the Romanian coast last night while en route to the Ukrainian port of Reni.

Romanian President Nicușor Dan said the vessel may have been struck by a drone, according to preliminary information. The incident reportedly occurred about 20 nautical miles off the Romanian coast.

Two Romanian vessels were immediately dispatched to the scene and evacuated all 17 crew members. Three of them were injured.

A tugboat was also sent to the area to prevent the disabled LPG tanker from drifting and posing a hazard to navigation.

President Nicușor Dan stated that the relevant authorities are investigating the circumstances of the incident. He suggested it may be linked to Russia’s war against Ukraine.

“The competent state authorities are on high alert and will determine the circumstances, causes, and responsibility for this serious incident, which is most likely part of the Russian Federation’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine,” the Romanian President said.

According to Digi24, the vessel departed from the Egyptian port of Alexandria carrying a cargo of propane. An explosion occurred on board.

The LPG tanker is currently near the town of Sfântu Gheorghe and remains on fire. According to the outlet’s sources, the vessel was likely attacked by a drone, although the drone’s origin has not yet been determined.

To ensure maritime safety, authorities issued a navigational warning advising ships to avoid the area around the incident.

On July 19, Russian forces struck the civilian bulk carrier GOLDEN LEO, sailing under the Guinea-Bissau flag, with three Kh-59/Kh-69 cruise missiles in the Black Sea. The vessel was carrying a cargo of grain from Ukraine

One of the missiles hit the starboard side of the vessel’s superstructure, causing a fire to break out on board.