PM Madbouly: Damietta Port incident contained; energy grid unaffected

CAIRO – 30 July 2026: Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly held a press conference on Thursday to address the Damietta Port incident, affirming that controlling the blaze required a monumental, hours-long effort with personnel risking their lives to contain the fire.

He explained that few details were initially released because teams were working tirelessly for up to 13 hours to contain the fire, noting that "our absolute focus was on extinguishing it."

"By early Thursday morning—around 2:00 AM—we confirmed beyond any doubt that the attack was carried out by a drone. Security forces are currently analyzing the drone’s wreckage and gathered evidence to determine its origin," Madbouly stated.

He emphasized that while speculation exists, the state does not act on conjecture. "We rely strictly on verified facts so we can respond appropriately."

Madbouly also warned that certain external interests are attempting to drag nations into regional conflicts. "We will not react impulsively or be drawn into the regional crisis. While some interests may be working to expand the current conflict, if it continues for a long time, other countries risk being pulled in as well."

Addressing the damage to energy infrastructure, Madbouly emphasized that one of the two ships was completely untouched. "It is 100% intact; the impact was strictly on the regasification vessel," he stated, noting that a task force immediately separated the two vessels and moved the undamaged ship to safety.

He reassured the public that alternative energy sources were promptly activated, keeping the nation's energy grid fully stable while maintenance teams assess the damaged vessel at Damietta Port to estimate a timeline for repairs. Additionally, Madbouly confirmed that discussions are underway with the Jordanian Minister of Energy to deploy a secondary, emergency regasification ship stationed at Jordan’s Aqaba Port if needed.

Response will rely on verified facts: Information Minister

 

Minister of Information Diaa Rashwan, who attended the conference alongside ministers of petroleum, transport, and industry, emphasized the gravity of the broader regional context.

"The current situation in the region is neither normal nor routine; a regional crisis and full-scale war are underway. Given these circumstances, every question must be answered, and information must be released with complete transparency," Rashwan stated.

He noted that boarding the burning ships and recovering the drone’s wreckage required hours of intensive effort. Nonetheless, the Ministry of Petroleum announced the incident immediately as information became available, followed by an official Cabinet statement once the drone attack was confirmed.

"Egypt is a major regional nation; we do not engage in reckless adventures, but we will resolutely safeguard our sovereignty," Rashwan warned, cautioning against online speculation. "Rest assured, Egypt will respond based strictly on accurate information—and this act will not go unpunished."