Russian LNG Tanker Sinks In Mediterranean After Explosions; Moscow Accuses Ukraine Of Attack

A Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker sank in the Mediterranean Sea after explosions and a major fire broke out onboard, Libyan authorities said.

The vessel went down between Libya and Malta on Tuesday night while carrying tens of thousands of tonnes of LNG.

Russia has accused Ukraine of attacking the ship with naval drones launched from the Libyan coast.

However, Ukrainian officials have not confirmed the claim, and the exact cause of the incident remains unclear.

According to Libya’s maritime rescue authorities, the tanker Arctic Metagaz experienced sudden explosions followed by a massive fire while sailing about 130 nautical miles (240 km) north of Sirte, Libya.

Officials said the vessel was carrying around 62,000 tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) at the time of the incident. The fire eventually caused the ship to sink in waters between Libya and Malta.

Libyan authorities issued a warning to ships operating in the area, advising them to avoid the location and report any signs of pollution.

Russia’s Transport Ministry confirmed that 30 Russian crew members were onboard the tanker when the incident occurred.

В Средиземном море горит российский газовоз Arctic Metagaz https://t.co/TuVXeiWxG9 pic.twitter.com/bvjka1EL7j

— The Insider (@the_ins_ru) March 3, 2026

Malta’s Armed Forces carried out a rescue operation and located the crew in a lifeboat, according to Maltese Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri, who said they were found “safe and sound.”

The rescued crew were later transferred to another vessel heading toward the Libyan port of Benghazi, according to Libyan authorities.

Russia’s Transport Ministry claimed the tanker was attacked by Ukrainian uncrewed sea drones launched from the Libyan coast.

Russian President Vladimir Putin described the incident as a “terrorist attack” and said it was not the first time such actions had occurred.

The ministry also called it “an act of international terrorism and maritime piracy” and said it violated international maritime law.

However, Russia did not provide evidence to support the claim.

Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has not commented on the allegation.

The Arctic Metagaz had departed from Murmansk, Russia’s northern Arctic port, and was believed to be heading toward Port Said in Egypt, according to Libyan authorities.

However, Egypt’s Petroleum Ministry said the vessel was not listed under any LNG supply contracts involving Egyptian ports.

The tanker has been sanctioned by Western countries, including the United States and the European Union, as part of restrictions on Russia’s energy exports.

Industry sources say the tanker is part of Russia’s “shadow fleet,” a group of older vessels often used to transport oil and gas while avoiding international sanctions.

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Ukraine has targeted several Russian energy facilities, including oil refineries and tankers.

However, most confirmed maritime strikes involving Ukrainian sea drones have occurred in the Black Sea, which borders both Russia and Ukraine.

References: Aljazeera, BBC