Tanker Carrying Propane to Ukraine Struck in Black Sea

A Liberian-flagged gas tanker sailing from Egypt to Ukraine was struck off the Romanian coast, injuring three crew members. Romanian President Nicusor Dan said the incident was probably linked to Russia’s war against Ukraine.

The LPG tanker Gas Lisbon was struck approximately 20 nautical miles, or 37km, from the Romanian coast, outside the country’s territorial waters. The vessel was carrying more than 3,790t of propane from Alexandria, Egypt, to the Ukrainian port of Reni.

Romanian rescue services evacuated all 17 crew members, including three who required emergency medical treatment. Two rescue vessels were sent to the scene, while a tugboat was deployed to prevent the damaged and burning tanker from posing a threat to maritime traffic.

Dan said state institutions had been placed on alert and would investigate the circumstances, cause and responsibility for the incident. He described it as a serious event that was “most likely part of the Russian Federation’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine”.

Romania, a member of both NATO and the European Union, has recorded repeated drone incursions since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Most have involved Russian drones or wreckage, although a Ukrainian naval drone also entered Romanian waters after reportedly losing control because of Russian electronic interference.

(Reuters, bak)