The fire that started on Wednesday on two ships at the Mediterranean port of Damietta, a major hub for LNG, was confirmed by Egypt’s cabinet to have been sparked by a drone strike.Authorities are still looking into the incident and will “take the necessary measures to preserve Egypt’s interests and national security,” according to a statement. “No party has claimed responsibility.”
According to reports, the drone struck the US-owned floating storage and regasification ship Energos Winter, starting a fire that eventually spread to the Greek-owned LNG tanker GasLog Salem. Social media videos that were verified showed tugboats hosing down the ships with water and plumes of black smoke rising from the port. Egyptian authorities said the port was still operating at full capacity on Thursday after the fires were put out and no casualties were recorded.
Ship monitoring data shows that after the incident, Energos Winter and GasLog Salem left the port and headed offshore. However, during the US and Israel’s conflict with Iran, Iranian forces and Iranian-backed armed groups carried out similar attacks on energy infrastructure in many Arab states as well as tankers in the Gulf and Red Sea, disrupting international trade and driving up oil prices.
Also Read:
As the Iran War Intensifies, Ukraine Attacks Russian Cargo Headed for Iran
Where are the Highest Earners in France Heading, and Why are They Leaving?
