Egypt investigating vessel fire incident at Damietta Port as operations continue normally: PM

CAIRO – 30 July 2026: Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly on Thursday said authorities are continuing their investigation into the drone-caused fire incident at Damietta Port and will take necessary measures aimed at safeguarding national security.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly made the remarks during the Cabinet's weekly meeting in New Alamein City, where ministers reviewed the latest developments related to the incident.

A fire broke out involving a regasification vessel and a storage vessel at Damietta Port on Wednesday, according to the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, without causing any casualties.

The Cabinet said on Thursday that a preliminary investigation found a drone caused the fire, adding that further investigations are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and take the necessary measures to safeguard Egypt's interests and national security.

No party immediately claimed responsibility for the incident.

During the meeting, Madbouly confirmed that preliminary investigations conducted by the relevant authorities found that the fire was caused by a drone.

He adding that investigations are continuing to determine all the circumstances surrounding the incident and take the necessary measures to safeguard Egypt's interests and national security.

Port Fully Operational

The prime minister also confirmed that services at Damietta Port are stable and that operations continue at full capacity.

Vessel arrivals and departures proceeding normally alongside loading, unloading and cargo-handling activities in line with the highest operational efficiency standards and approved plans and schedules.

He added that container, dry bulk, liquid bulk and general cargo operations are continuing efficiently, while electricity services at the port remain stable.

Relevant ministers also reviewed efforts undertaken to contain the fire aboard the two vessels and restore services at the port, highlighting the full coordination among the ministries and agencies involved in responding to the incident.