A drone strike caused fires aboard two gas vessels at Egypt’s Damietta port on July 29, according to the Egyptian government. Emergency crews brought the flames under control, and authorities reported no deaths or injuries from the incident.
The fire reportedly began aboard the Energos Winter, a floating gas-storage vessel positioned at the Mediterranean port. Egyptian officials said the ship appeared to have been struck by an unidentified projectile on its starboard side. Flames later spread to another vessel, the GasLog Salem, which was stationed nearby.
Videos from the area showed thick smoke and fire rising above the port as emergency services responded. Reuters reported that it verified the location using satellite imagery, vessel-tracking information and visual details from footage recorded at the scene.
No organization had claimed responsibility for the strike at the time of the initial reports. Egyptian authorities launched an investigation to determine where the drone originated, who operated it and whether the port was deliberately selected because of its role in regional energy infrastructure.
Damietta is an important commercial and energy hub on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast. An attack affecting vessels at the facility could increase concerns about maritime security, insurance costs and the protection of strategically important shipping infrastructure.
The incident occurred during heightened tensions across the Middle East, raising fears that regional hostilities could increasingly affect ports, commercial vessels and international energy routes. Egyptian officials have indicated that security precautions are being strengthened while the investigation continues.
Although the immediate fire was contained without reported casualties, the strike represents a significant security development for Egypt and the wider Mediterranean shipping industry.
