A U.S.-owned liquefied natural gas (LNG) floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) moored at Damietta Port on Egypt's Mediterranean coast was reported to have been hit by a drone attack. The fire that broke out on the struck vessel spread to a nearby ship, but there were no casualties.
Reuters reported on the 29th, citing an initial analysis by the U.K. maritime security firm Ambrey, that a gas storage vessel at Damietta Port was hit by a drone. Port services firm Inchcape also said in a separate message that two gas carriers caught fire at Damietta.
According to industry sources, the drone struck the floating storage and regasification unit "Energos Winter," and the fire that started on that vessel spread to the nearby "Gaslog Salem." Multiple security sources also said the explosion was caused by a drone attack. The crew evacuated, and the fire was reportedly extinguished.
Egypt's Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources also confirmed that fires broke out on a regasification vessel and a storage vessel at Damietta Port. Authorities said they carried out firefighting and safety operations under an emergency response system and that there were no deaths or injuries. They did not disclose the cause of the fire.
Minister Karim Badawy of Egypt's Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources visited the scene immediately after the fire was reported to check on firefighting and safety measures. The ministry said it is investigating the circumstances and impact of the incident and urged the media and social media users to verify related information through the government's official announcements. No group or force has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.