Sailor dies after fire aboard Gas Lisbon tanker off Romania

What happened

The Liberian-flagged tanker Gas Lisbon caught fire off Romania while sailing to Ukraine’s Danube port of Reni. According to AGERPRES, the vessel had departed Alexandria, Egypt, was carrying more than 3,790 tonnes of propane, and had 17 crew members on board. The incident occurred during the night of July 20/21 while the tanker was about 20 nautical miles southeast of Sfantu Gheorghe, inside Romania’s exclusive economic zone.

Romanian authorities evacuated the full crew. Three sailors were injured and transported to Tulcea Hospital. Romania’s Naval Authority later said the fire had decreased in intensity and that, given the vessel’s distance from shore, there was no risk to local residents, tourists, or coastal activity.

Death and war-link probe

AP reported that one of the injured sailors, a 45-year-old Philippine national, died in hospital. Hospital officials said his death was linked to complications from airway burns. Two other injured Philippine sailors remain in intensive care and are in stable condition.

Authorities have not announced an official cause of the fire. Romanian President Nicusor Dan said the vessel had been struck and that officials would clarify the circumstances, causes, and responsibility. Romanian authorities are also investigating whether the incident is connected to Russia’s war against Ukraine. AP reported that two crew members told Digi24 they believed the tanker may have been hit by multiple drones.