Two ships used for the processing and storage of gas have caught fire in the Egyptian port of Damietta, without causing injuries, according to the oil ministry.
“The situation was handled immediately in accordance with emergency and rapid response plans,” the ministry said on Wednesday, without identifying the cause of the blaze.
In an earlier statement, maritime shipping service Inchcape said a blast occurred at the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal. Port operations are expected to resume overnight at other berths and terminals, it added.
Related coverage: Fuel prices soar on back of Iran war, leaving Yemeni labourers with no work.
The Reuters news agency, citing British maritime security company Ambrey, reported that a US-owned floating storage tanker at the port had been hit by a drone. Crew members were evacuated, and the fire was brought under control, the report said.
There has not been any claim of responsibility.
More context: Jess Cartner-Morley on fashion: the secret to summer layering? Sheer bravery.
The incident comes as US President Donald Trump promised to hit Iran “hard” following a wave of Iranian missile attacks targeting US bases in the region and US-Saudi Arabia joint attacks on a Tehran-backed armed group in Iraq, which killed at least 20 fighters.
The attacks on multiple fronts mark a resumption of hostilities after a few days of relative calm. Earlier this week, Trump had abruptly stopped bombing Iran after 13 days in what US officials claimed was an attempt to give diplomacy a chance.
Also read: Jared Leto: Hollywood’s Dark Secret review – the tales of abuse are utterly disturbing.
Background: A moment that changed me: I’d lost my libido – then I saw Richard Ashcroft on stage and it came bursting back.
Related coverage:
No comments yet. Start the discussion.