SerpApi.Org
All crew members were rescued; three of them were injured
The Liberia-flagged tanker Gas Lisbon was hit 20 nautical miles off the Romanian coast. According to preliminary data, an explosion occurred on board, and the vessel may have been attacked by a naval drone, according to Romanian President Nicușor Dan and Digi24.
According to the Romanian president, the tanker departed from the Egyptian port of Alexandria and was heading to the Ukrainian port of Reni.
"State authorities are on high alert and will establish the circumstances, causes, and responsibility for this serious incident, which is most likely part of Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine," Nicușor Dan emphasized.
Immediately after the explosion, two vessels from the Romanian Agency for Saving Human Life at Sea (ARSVOM) were dispatched to the scene. All 17 crew members were rescued, and three of them who were injured received medical assistance.
The media reported that two of the injured crew members suffered burns covering approximately 10-15% of their body surface, while the third sustained multiple wounds and was bleeding heavily.
Situation on board and threat to shipping
The damaged vessel is currently anchored, but the fire is still ongoing. A specialized tugboat has been deployed to monitor the tanker, prevent the vessel from drifting, and eliminate a threat to maritime safety.
According to Digi24 sources, the vessel was likely attacked by a naval drone, the origin of which is currently unknown.
A fire is still being reported on board the vessel, which remains anchored. To ensure shipping safety, all vessels in the area of the incident were sent a warning instructing them to avoid the affected zone.
On July 19, Russians attacked a Guinea-Bissau-flagged commercial vessel that had departed from one of Ukraine’s ports after loading corn. Ten people were killed as a result of the strike, while eight crew members were rescued.
On July 17, a Russian drone struck the Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier Venturo, which was located in one of the ports of Odesa.
