Russia Likely Struck LPG Tanker Off Romanian Coast

The Liberian-flagged LPG tanker Gas Lisbon was struck in the Black Sea on the night of July 20, 2026, while transporting 3,790 tonnes of propane from Alexandria, Egypt, to the Ukrainian port of Reni. The attack occurred approximately 20 nautical miles off the Romanian coast within Romania's Exclusive Economic Zone. Sources from the Lower Danube River Administration in Galati indicated the ship was hit by a naval drone, causing a fire.

Nicusor Dan, President of Romania, described the event as a serious incident and stated it was most likely part of the Russian Federation's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. Romanian rescue services, including the Coast Guard and the Agency for Saving Human Life at Sea, evacuated all 17 crew members. Three crew members suffered burns and other injuries and were transported to an Emergency Reception Unit in Tulcea. A tugboat was deployed to prevent the vessel from drifting and endangering navigational safety.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha condemned the strike as an example of Russia's terror. Sybiha asserted that the attack poses a direct threat to maritime security in the Black Sea and NATO's eastern flank, calling for stronger sanctions and full accountability. Romanian state institutions remain on high alert as they continue to investigate the specific causes and responsibilities of the incident.