DAMIETTA, Egypt — Egyptian authorities have confirmed that a drone attack caused a fire aboard two gas vessels at the Mediterranean port of Damietta, marking a significant escalation in regional security tensions.
According to Egypt’s cabinet, the blaze erupted after an unmanned aerial vehicle struck the U.S.-owned floating gas storage vessel Energos Winter. The fire later spread to a second gas carrier, Gaslog Salem, before emergency crews brought both blazes under control. No injuries or fatalities were reported.
Officials said investigations are continuing to determine who carried out the attack. No group has claimed responsibility.
The strike occurred near the strategically important Suez Canal, a vital shipping route for global energy supplies, raising fresh concerns over maritime security as conflict continues to intensify across the Middle East. Maritime security firms had initially reported that a drone struck the storage tanker, while Egypt later officially confirmed the attack.
Analysts warn that any disruption at Damietta, one of Egypt’s key liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities, could place additional pressure on regional energy markets, particularly during the peak summer demand season. Authorities said security measures have been strengthened around critical infrastructure while investigations remain ongoing.