In a significant escalation in maritime conflict, a large oil depot and a fully loaded tanker were critically damaged during a large-scale drone attack on the Ukrainian port of Izmail, reports Marine Insight.
The drone strike struck late in the evening as the vessel was offloading fuel, triggering a fierce blaze and numerous explosions that engulfed the terminal.
Fires and Explosions Rip Through Izmail Port
The operation reportedly involved multiple unmanned aerial vehicles and was followed by dozens of blasts over roughly an hour and a half. The terminal’s fire response and rescue teams—nearly fifty personnel and multiple firefighting units—rushed to contain the inferno and manage the unfolding crisis.
The tanker, positioned at the berth with fuel pumps and lines connected, sustained severe damage to its pumping systems, valves, and fuel infrastructure. The intensity of the heat and fire rendered the vessel inoperable. It is likely to require towing, and sources hint it may even face decommissioning.
At the adjacent depot, several high-capacity storage tanks were struck. A number of them were destroyed or caught fire due to depressurization, while key infrastructure—including high-pressure pumps, transfer lines, and control systems—saw substantial damage. The depot is a critical node in the region’s fuel supply chain, handling thousands of tons of petroleum products weekly.
Local authorities confirmed port terminal damage and reported at least one civilian injury amid the chaos. The strike adds further strain to Ukraine’s energy logistics during a time of ongoing instability and conflict.
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Source: Marine Insight
