A fire on a Turkish-flagged LPG vessel, which was hit at a port in Ukraine’s Odessa, is still ongoing, Muhittin Celik, Türkiye’s consul general in the southern city, said.
The Turkish-flagged LPG vessel ORINDA was involved in the incident while unloading at the Izmail Port, Celik told Anadolu and mentioned that all the crew members have been evacuated and are in good condition, though the risk of explosion remains.
Celik said a UAV (drone) was involved in the incident, which occurred in the wee hours of Monday.
“The ship’s crew contacted the duty phone of our consulate general and reported the situation. Our consular staff coordinated with local authorities and ensured necessary consular protection, taking measures for the safety of the crew,” he said.
The ship’s 16-member crew are in good health. Two-thirds of the LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) is still on board. Firefighters are trying to cool the ship by spraying water. Security measures at the port have been increased due to the risk of explosion, he added.
Celik said that a technical team from the company that owns the vessel is expected to arrive at the port.
“Based on the report of the team coming from Türkiye, it will be determined whether the ship can be refloated.”
The Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Ministry’s Maritime Affairs Directorate General earlier announced that the vessel is carrying 16 Turkish crew members, and a fire broke out during unloading at Ukraine’s Izmail Port.
