**Fire Erupts on Ships at Egypt’s Damietta Port**
**Damietta, Egypt** – A fire broke out on two ships used for the processing and storage of gas at the Damietta port in Egypt, according to a statement from the country’s oil ministry. Fortunately, the incident did not result in any injuries.
The fire was reported on July 29, 2026, and the oil ministry confirmed that the situation was managed promptly in accordance with established emergency and rapid response protocols. However, the ministry did not disclose the cause of the blaze.
In an earlier report, maritime shipping service Inchcape noted that an explosion had occurred at the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal within the port. Following the incident, operations at other berths and terminals in the port are expected to resume overnight, Inchcape added.
Further details emerged from Reuters, which cited British maritime security company Ambrey. They reported that a US-owned floating storage tanker at the port had been struck by a drone. Following the attack, crew members were safely evacuated, and the fire was subsequently brought under control.
As of now, there has been no claim of responsibility for the drone strike or the fire. This incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions in the region, particularly involving the United States and Iran. Recently, US President Donald Trump had vowed to respond forcefully to a series of Iranian missile attacks targeting US bases in the area, alongside US-Saudi Arabia operations against Iranian-backed groups in Iraq.
The Damietta port serves as a vital hub for maritime activities in Egypt, particularly for the processing and storage of gas, making the safety and security of operations there a significant concern for local authorities and international stakeholders alike.
As investigations continue into the cause of the fire and the drone strike, the port authorities are working to ensure that operations can return to normal as soon as possible.