The Liberian-flagged LPG tanker Gas Lisbon, which was heading to the Ukrainian port of Reni, was attacked in the Black Sea outside Romania’s territorial waters. Three crew members were injured, and all 17 sailors were evacuated, informat.ro reports.
The incident occurred yesterday evening approximately 20 nautical miles off the Romanian coast. According to the Romanian authorities, the LPG Gas Lisbon sustained major damage and caught fire.
The tanker had departed from the port of Alexandria in Egypt and was heading to Reni. It was carrying more than 3,790 tonnes of propane and had a crew of 17 people.
Two vessels operated by the Romanian Agency for Saving Life at Sea were sent to the scene. They evacuated the entire crew, including the three injured sailors. Everyone was brought safely ashore, while the injured were taken to the port of Sulina for medical treatment before being transferred to a hospital in Tulcea.
A tugboat was also sent to the damaged vessel to ensure that the tanker did not drift or pose an additional threat to navigation.
Romania’s Ministry of National Defence placed an IAR-330 Puma Naval helicopter and two Romanian Navy warships on standby. Additional forces may be deployed if necessary.
The Romanian Maritime Hydrographic Directorate issued a navigation warning instructing vessels to avoid the area of the incident.
Romanian President Nicușor Dan said the causes of the incident were most likely linked to the Russian Federation’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. Romanian state institutions are investigating the circumstances, causes and responsibility for the incident.
