A Russian drone attack has sparked a dangerous fire aboard the Turkish-flagged LPG tanker MT Orinda while it was unloading at Ukraine’s port of Izmail. The vessel, which carried an estimated 4,000 tons of liquefied petroleum gas, was struck during the nighttime assault, causing an immediate blaze in its cargo area.

All 16 Turkish crew members were safely evacuated, according to Turkish maritime officials, and no injuries have been reported. Despite the successful evacuation, authorities warn that the situation remains volatile. A significant portion of the LPG cargo is still onboard, requiring firefighters to continuously cool the tanker to prevent a potential explosion.

The strike also raised alarms across the border in Romania. With the burning ship located only about 500 meters from Romanian territory, local officials initiated a precautionary evacuation of up to 150 residents living close to the Danube River, citing safety concerns.

Izmail is a critical logistics hub for Ukraine, and regional authorities report that several other civilian vessels, along with port infrastructure, were damaged in the attack. The incident highlights the growing risks faced by commercial ships operating near conflict zones and underscores the increasing vulnerability of maritime routes in the region.