By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Russian LNG Tanker Sinks Between Libya and Malta
A Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker, the Arctic Metagaz, sank in the Mediterranean Sea on Tuesday night. The vessel, traveling from Murmansk, Russia to Port Said, Egypt, caught fire following explosions north of Sirte, Libya. All 30 Russian crew members survived, rescued by Maltese authorities. Russia accused Ukraine of carrying out the attack, calling it an act of terrorism.
Vessel Details and Sanctions
The Arctic Metagaz is part of Russia’s aging tanker fleet, which faces sanctions from the United States and the European Union. The tanker reportedly carried 62,000 metric tons of LNG. Egypt’s Petroleum Ministry confirmed that the tanker had no contractual ties to supply or receive LNG in Egypt.
Incident Description
Libya’s port authority reported that the tanker suffered sudden explosions, followed by a massive fire, ultimately causing it to sink. Russia’s Transport Ministry stated Ukrainian naval drones launched from Libya’s coast caused the attack.
International Reactions
President Vladimir Putin condemned the strike as a terrorist attack and maritime piracy, blaming Kyiv. Ukraine has not issued an immediate response. Russia described the incident as a violation of international maritime law.
Context of Ongoing Conflict
Ukraine has previously targeted Russian oil and energy infrastructure to weaken Moscow’s war funding. In December, Ukraine struck a Russian tanker in the neutral Mediterranean waters, marking the first such attack in the four-year war. Authorities warned ships to avoid the area and report pollution.
