Oil tanker bound for Ukraine hit by drone, catches fire in Black Sea

A tanker en route to a Ukrainian river port was struck by a naval drone in the Black Sea on Monday night, igniting a fire onboard and injuring three sailors. Romanian authorities reported the incident on Tuesday.

The vessel, sailing under the Liberian flag, was attacked by an unidentified drone. According to the Danube River Administration in Galati, the ship was hit approximately 20 nautical miles off the Romanian coast. Romanian President Nicusor Dan stated on Facebook that authorities are investigating the circumstances, causes, and responsibilities. "Very probably, it is part of the illegal war of aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine," Dan said, as reported by EFE.

The tanker, identified as Gas Lisbon, had departed from Alexandria, Egypt, and was heading to Reni, a port in southwestern Ukraine near the Romanian border. It was carrying over 3,790 tons of propane. The Ministry of Interior reported that the crew took refuge in the bow section due to the damage and fire, unable to use their own evacuation methods.

Rescue vessels responded to the alert. Due to adverse weather conditions, a helicopter intervention was not possible, and the crew had to be evacuated using two life rafts. Three sailors required urgent medical attention: two suffered severe burns covering 10% to 15% of their bodies, and the third sustained multiple injuries and hemorrhaging, according to the ministry.

As of mid-morning local time, the fire continued to burn in the tanker's superstructure. The ship remains anchored. For maritime safety, Romanian authorities have issued a notice to all vessels in the area to avoid the affected perimeter.

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Very probably, it is part of the illegal war of aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine.