SerpApi.Org
A Liberian-flagged LPG tanker caught fire after an explosion during the night of July 20-21, after being struck by three drones while sailing approximately 20 nautical miles southeast of Sfântu Gheorghe, within Romania's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) but outside its territorial waters. The vessel was en route from Alexandria, Egypt, to the Ukrainian Danube port of Reni.
Romanian President Nicușor Dan said state institutions were investigating the incident, which he described as 'most likely part of the illegal war of aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine.'
'State institutions are on alert and will clarify the circumstances, causes and responsibilities related to this serious incident... The ship came from the port of Alexandria, Egypt, and was heading to the Ukrainian port of Reni,' Dan said in a post on X.
According to the Romanian Naval Authority (ANR) cited by Agerpres, the fire remains under continuous monitoring and poses no risk to tourists, residents or activities along Romania's Black Sea coast, as the vessel is located around 14 nautical miles offshore and the condition of both the ship and its cargo remains stable.
Through the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Constanța, the ANR is coordinating monitoring efforts with the relevant authorities to ensure navigational safety and manage the incident.
All 17 crew members, comprising Filipino, Turkish, Georgian and Indian nationals, were rescued. Three sailors were injured and transported to medical facilities, including two suffering burns to their hands and faces, while a third sustained shrapnel wounds and other trauma.
Crew members told Europa FM that the vessel was attacked three times.
'Three drones. The first attack was on the upper deck, five seconds later on the cabins, and three minutes later on the starboard side,' quartermaster Aleksandre Megrelidze said.
Romania's Ministry of National Defence said it is prepared to support the authorities managing the incident. The ministry has placed an IAR-330 Puma Naval helicopter and two Romanian Naval Forces vessels on standby, adding that additional military assets could be deployed if required.
