Working Conditions Aboard the Gas-Lisbon

Two Filipino crew members from the 'Gas Lisbon' returned to Manila on August 3, following injuries sustained during a drone attack on their vessel in the Black Sea. The injured seafarers arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Qatar Airways Flight QR932, where they received a warm welcome from Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Assistant Secretary Maria Regina Angela G. Galias, along with representatives from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Upon arrival, the DMW and OWWA provided crucial airport assistance and financial support to help address the immediate needs of the crew members. Their licensed manning agency, Alpha Pearl of the Orient Maritime, Inc., played a significant role in facilitating their repatriation, hospitalization, and ongoing medical care. Company representatives were present to receive the individuals and assist with post-arrival services. The DMW has instructed Alpha Pearl of the Orient Maritime, Inc. to ensure that both seafarers undergo thorough physical and psychological assessments, which include necessary debriefing sessions, as they embark on their recovery journey. Ongoing coordination between the Department of Migrant Workers and Alpha Pearl will continue, ensuring that the two Filipino seafarers receive essential medical treatment, welfare support, and the comprehensive care required for their full rehabilitation.

On July 22, the Romanian Naval Authority continued to monitor the situation aboard the 'Gas Lisbon', a vessel that has been engulfed in fire. Although the blaze had diminished, conditions remained too hazardous for boarding inspections due to the still elevated temperatures. The ship was located approximately 14 nautical miles off the Romanian coast, ensuring the safety of nearby populations and touristic activities. The tanker, which had set sail from Alexandria and was en route to Reni carrying over 3,790 tonnes of propane, was struck during its journey. Fortunately, the gas tanks appeared to be intact, but the accommodation block suffered devastating damage and the vessel was sitting low in the water. Sadly, one crew member, Joseph Naa, succumbed to injuries sustained during the attack. He faced an inhalation trauma, leading to a serious pulmonary complication that ultimately claimed his life at the Năstăsescu Hospital. Two other sailors, both from the Philippines, were hospitalized with significant burns covering 10-15% of their bodies. Their condition has stabilized, and they are receiving intensive care treatment as the situation is assessed.

On July 22, the Romanian Naval Authority reported that the fire aboard the 'Gas Lisbon' vessel had lessened in intensity but continued to blaze. The ship was located around 14 nautical miles offshore, eliminating any immediate threats to the local population or tourists frequenting the Romanian coast. The oil tanker, which had just departed from Alexandria heading towards Reni, was carrying over 3,790 tonnes of propane and had a crew of 17 aboard during the incident. Although the propane tanks appeared undamaged, the vessel's accommodation block was extensively destroyed, causing the stern to ride low in the water. Sadly, one crew member succumbed to injuries sustained in the fire. He had been hospitalized due to severe inhalation trauma that led to pulmonary complications and ultimately his death at Năstăsescu Hospital. Additionally, two other Filipino sailors who suffered significant burns remain in a stable condition in the intensive care unit.

On the night of July 20, 2026, the LPG tanker 'Gas Lisbon,' traveling from Alexandria to Reni with a cargo exceeding 3,790 tons of liquefied petroleum gas and carrying 17 crew, was struck by an airstrike in Romania’s Exclusive Economic Zone in the Black Sea. This attack occurred approximately 20 nautical miles southeast of Sfântu Gheorghe, leading to a fire and explosion on board the vessel. In the aftermath, the crew had no option for evacuation and sought refuge in the bow area. The Romanian Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC Constanța) quickly initiated a complex search and rescue operation. Sustained communication with the 'Gas Lisbon' was facilitated through a nearby commercial vessel that acted as a radio relay. Responding to the emergency, a Coast Guard ship along with SAR vessels 'SAR Apollo' (IMO: 9830513) and 'SAR Artemis' (IMO: 9830525) from the Romanian Agency for Saving Life at Sea (ARSVOM) were deployed to assist. Unfortunately, adverse weather conditions prevented the General Aviation Inspectorate's helicopter from taking off. However, upon arrival, the 'SAR Apollo' crew successfully launched two life rafts, ensuring the safe evacuation of all crew members. During this rescue operation, three crew members needed immediate medical attention; two suffered burns covering 10-15% of their bodies while another sustained multiple wounds and was experiencing significant blood loss. Post-evacuation, the 'SAR Apollo' transported the injured crew to a hospital in Tulcea, where they were admitted to intensive care. A navigation alert was issued due to the fire onboard, indicating a risk of explosion, especially in the stern-castle area. Nearby vessels were instructed to maintain a distance of at least three nautical miles as authorities monitored for potential pollution threats. To stabilize the situation, a tugboat was sent to prevent the tanker from drifting further. The Romanian Ministry of National Defense prepared to provide additional support with an IAR-330 Puma Naval helicopter and two ships from the Romanian Naval Forces. Moreover, investigations are underway to determine the circumstances, causes, and responsibilities related to this incident, which appears to be linked to ongoing hostilities in the region stemming from the Russian Federation's conflict with Ukraine.