Two gas-processing and storage ships caught fire at Egypt's Damietta port; authorities reported no injuries and said emergency response plans were immediately activated. Reuters, citing Ambrey, said a US-owned floating storage tanker was reportedly hit by a drone and its crew evacuated, while Inchcape reported a blast at the LNG terminal. There has been no claim of responsibility, and the incident unfolded amid heightened US-Iran regional tensions.
Fire at Egypt's Damietta Port: Two Gas Ships Ablaze; US-Owned Tanker Reportedly Hit by Drone
Egypt's oil ministry has said two ships used for the processing and storage of gas caught fire in the Egyptian port of Damietta [Al Jazeera]
Damietta, Egypt — Two ships used for processing and storing gas caught fire at the port of Damietta on Wednesday, Egypt's oil ministry said, adding that there were no injuries and that emergency response plans were activated immediately.
The ministry did not identify the cause of the blaze but said the situation was handled in accordance with emergency and rapid-response procedures.
In an earlier statement, maritime services firm Inchcape reported a blast at the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal and said port operations at other berths and terminals were expected to resume overnight.
Reuters, citing British maritime security company Ambrey, reported that a US-owned floating storage tanker at Damietta was struck by a drone. According to the report, crew members were evacuated and the resulting fire was brought under control.
There has been no claim of responsibility for the incident. Egyptian authorities and port operators said they would investigate the cause and monitor operations as they are restored.
Regional Context
The incident occurred amid heightened regional tensions following recent Iranian missile attacks on US bases and joint US-Saudi strikes against a Tehran-backed militia in Iraq that reportedly killed at least 20 fighters. US President Donald Trump had vowed to hit Iran "hard" and earlier paused bombing to allow a window for diplomacy, according to officials.
Officials and maritime authorities continue to assess any wider security implications for shipping and energy infrastructure in the area.
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