A gas tanker was struck while en route to a port in the Odesa region

On the night of July 21, the Liberian-flagged tanker Gas Lisbon, which was carrying propane and heading for the Ukrainian port of Reni in the Odesa region, was struck in the Black Sea. The incident occurred approximately 20 nautical miles off the coast of Romania.

This was reported by Romanian President Nicușor Dan.

According to him, the vessel had departed from the Egyptian port of Alexandria and was en route to Reni. Following the incident, two vessels from the Romanian Maritime Safety Agency arrived at the scene and evacuated the entire crew. Three sailors were injured, and all crew members were brought ashore.

In addition, a tugboat was dispatched to the damaged tanker to monitor its position, prevent it from drifting, and minimize the threat to other vessels.

The President of Romania stated that the relevant authorities are investigating the circumstances and causes of the incident. According to him, the incident is most likely linked to Russia’s illegal and aggressive war against Ukraine.

According to the Romanian news outlet Digi24, an explosion occurred on board the tanker, which was loaded with propane. The vessel is located approximately 26 kilometers from the city of Sfântu Gheorghe.

According to the publication’s sources, the tanker may have been attacked by a maritime drone, though its origin is currently unknown.

As of the morning of July 21, the vessel continues to burn. Due to the danger to navigation, mariners have been warned to avoid the accident area.

The day before, Russia launched a missile strikeon a merchant ship near Odesa. Ten people were killed in the attack. It is known that the dry cargo ship, flying the flag of Guinea-Bissau, was carrying corn. There were 18 people on board.

Also in the Black Sea, maritime border guards rescued a crew member of the dry cargo ship VENTURO, which had been attacked by a Russian drone. The search and rescue operation took place on the night of July 19.

Due to the constant shelling of ports in the Odesa region,shipownersare increasingly refusing to call at ports in the region, and some traders have halted grain purchases.

Ірина Глухова