A Filipino sailor injured in the GAS LISBON attack off Romania has died, while two others remain in stable condition in intensive care.
CASUALTY IN GAS LISBON ATTACK: Injured Filipino sailor has died
A 45-year-old Filipino sailor injured in the Turkish-linked LPG tanker GAS LISBON, reported to have been attacked off the coast of Romania, has died. While 17 crew members were evacuated from the vessel, it was reported that the other two injured individuals are in intensive care and their health conditions are stable. Although the crew stated that the ship was hit by multiple drones, the perpetrator of the attack has not yet been officially identified.
The aftermath of the explosion and fire on the LPG tanker GAS LISBON, which was heading to Ukraine's Port of Reni in the Black Sea, has worsened.
The incident occurred approximately 20 nautical miles off the Romanian coast, where the injured 45-year-old Filipino sailor died due to burns in the respiratory tract and related lung complications. It was reported that the other two injured Filipino sailors are being treated in intensive care and their conditions are stable.
GAS LISBON was en route from Alexandria Port in Egypt to the Port of Reni on the Danube River in Ukraine. It was reported that the vessel was carrying more than 3,790 tons of LPG. Following the incident, Romanian search and rescue units reached the ship and evacuated all 17 crew members, three of whom were injured.
According to Romanian authorities, the explosion and fire caused significant damage to the upper structure of the vessel. Two crew members, in statements to Romanian television, expressed their belief that the ship was hit by multiple drones. However, Romanian authorities have not yet disclosed the exact cause of the incident or the responsible party for the attack.
Romanian President Nicușor Dan stated that the incident is 'most likely' connected to Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine. However, this statement does not constitute a definitive judicial or military identification of the perpetrator. The possibility of a sea or air drone, the type of explosive, and the approach direction will become clearer as the investigation progresses.
Turkey-linked LPG tanker
The Liberia-flagged GAS LISBON was built in 2002. Approximately 120 meters long, 19 meters wide, and with a deadweight tonnage of 8,064, the ship has a maritime connection based in Turkey, as noted in international industry publications. Records related to the vessel indicate that the owning company is Gas Lisbon Inc., linked to Istanbul.
The fact that the ship was loaded with LPG elevates the incident far beyond a mere hull damage situation. If the fire had reached the tanks, the consequences could have been much more severe for the crew, rescue teams, surrounding vessels, and coastal settlements.
However, with the current information, it is not possible to definitively attribute the attack to either Russia or Ukraine. The phrase 'reported to have been hit by a drone' should be used in the news, and the outcome of the investigation in Romania should be awaited.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
