LPG tanker Gas Lisbon hit by drones in Romania's EEZ; one sailor dies

Late on 20 July 2026 the Liberian-flagged, Turkish-owned LPG tanker Gas Lisbon, carrying about 3,790 tonnes of propane from Egypt to Reni in Ukraine, exploded and caught fire about 20 nautical miles southeast of Sfântu Gheorghe, in Romania's exclusive economic zone. All 17 crew were evacuated; three were injured, and a 45-year-old Filipino sailor died of airway burns in hospital on 23 July. Crew members said the ship was hit by three drones, and Lower Danube River Administration sources cited a naval drone; no official finding on the weapon has been published.

Established by. President Nicușor Dan (X, 21 July 2026) called it a serious incident "which is most likely part of the Russian Federation's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine" and said Romania would clarify its circumstances and responsibility. No Romanian, NATO or EU text found formally attributes the strike to Russia.

Latest. No investigation result had been published as of 20 October 2026. Three months later, drones struck the tankers Yara J and Wine Trader off Sulina (see the October 2026 entry).

Link to the war against Ukraine. The tanker was carrying fuel to the Ukrainian Danube port of Reni, on the route Russia has repeatedly attacked.