LPG Gas Lisbon ship attacked off Romania en route to Ukraine

A Liberian-flagged ship, sailing from Egypt to Ukraine, was hit by an unknown projectile off the coast of Romania in an attack presumably linked to the Russian-Ukrainian war, according to Romanian President, Nicusor Dan. So far this year, Russian and Kyiv forces' drones have repeatedly violated Romania's airspace and territorial waters, according to authorities from the European Union (EU) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member state. "Last night, the Liberian-flagged LPG Gas Lisbon ship was attacked outside Romania's territorial waters, approximately 20 nautical miles off the Romanian coast. Shortly after the incident, two vessels from the Romanian Agency for Human Life Saving at Sea went to the scene and evacuated the entire crew, including the three injured members. All were safely brought ashore," the Romanian president reported via the social network X. "Likewise, a tugboat sent to the area ensures that the ship does not drift and does not pose an additional danger to navigation safety. State institutions are on alert and will clarify the circumstances, causes, and responsibilities related to this serious incident, which is most likely part of the Russian Federation's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. The ship was coming from the Port of Alexandria, Egypt, and was heading to the Ukrainian port of Reni," he added. For his part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (i), Andrii Sybiha, stated that "Russia's war of aggression not only threatens Ukraine but poses a direct threat to freedom of navigation, maritime security in the Black Sea, and NATO's eastern flank. The deliberate attack on the LPG Gas Lisbon tanker, which was heading to Ukraine and was hit near the coast of Romania, is yet another example of Russia's terror. It resulted in injured civilian crew members, endangered navigation safety in the Black Sea, and once again demonstrated that the Kremlin disregards international maritime law and civilian lives." "We are grateful to Romania for its swift rescue efforts, strong solidarity with Ukraine, and clear understanding that Russia's reckless actions threaten the security of the entire Black Sea region. Ukraine remains committed to deepening cooperation with Romania and all our partners to strengthen security in the Black Sea. The response must match the threat. Stronger sanctions. Greater pressure on Russia. Full accountability for every act of aggression. The aggressor must be forced to end its war," he added. The Gas Lisbon, built by Sasaki Shipbuilding, is a 24-year-old vessel whose operator is Petroxi Trading. It is 120 meters long, 19 meters wide, and has a deadweight of 8,064 tons.