Fire continues on Turkish LPG ship in Ukrainian port after drone strike

A Turkish-flagged liquefied petroleum gas carrier continues to burn at the Ukrainian port of Izmail near Odesa after being struck by a drone overnight, according to Turkish diplomatic officials. The vessel Orinda was hit during unloading operations, triggering a fire that emergency crews are still working to contain. All 16 Turkish crew members have been safely evacuated and are reported in good health despite the dangerous incident.

Ongoing Firefighting and Safety Measures

Muhittin Celik, Türkiye's consul general in Odesa, confirmed that approximately two-thirds of the ship's LPG cargo remains onboard, creating continued explosion risks. "Izmail firefighters are trying to cool the ship by spraying water," Celik stated, adding that port security has been enhanced as a precautionary measure. The diplomatic mission provided immediate consular assistance after being alerted by the crew following the attack.

Diplomatic Response and Investigation

The consulate general swiftly coordinated with local Ukrainian authorities to ensure crew safety and necessary protections following the incident. A technical team from the vessel's operating company is expected to travel from Türkiye to assess damage and determine whether the ship can be salvaged. The evaluation will inform decisions about potential refloating operations for the damaged LPG carrier.

Regional Security Context

The attack occurs amid ongoing security challenges in Black Sea shipping routes following Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Ukrainian ports have frequently been targeted by drone attacks, creating persistent dangers for commercial vessels operating in the region. The incident highlights continuing maritime security concerns affecting international shipping in Black Sea waters near conflict zones.