A Russian-flagged liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, Arctic Metagaz, exploded and sank in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Libya on Tuesday. The vessel was about 150 miles north of Sirte when it experienced sudden explosions followed by a massive fire.
Key Takeaways
A Russian-flagged LNG tanker exploded and sank off Libya's coast after sudden explosions caused a massive fire. All 30 crew were rescued. Russia accuses Ukraine of using sea drones, calling it terrorism; Ukraine has not commented.
- Arctic Metagaz sank with 62,000 metric tons of LNG north of Sirte, Libya
- Russian officials blame Ukrainian sea drones launched from Libyan coast
- Putin calls incident a 'terrorist attack,' escalating global energy tensions
- Ukraine previously acknowledged using sea drones to target Russian vessels in Black Sea
- Tanker was part of Russia's sanctioned 'shadow fleet' en route to Egypt
The tanker, which had been sanctioned by the US and EU as part of Russia's 'shadow fleet,' was carrying approximately 62,000 metric tons of LNG. All 30 crew members were rescued and transferred to another vessel heading to Benghazi, Libya.
Russian officials accused Ukraine of launching sea drones from the Libyan coast that attacked the tanker. Russian President Vladimir Putin called the incident a 'terrorist attack' during a broadcast on state television, stating it exacerbated global energy market tensions. The Russian Transport Ministry also qualified the event as an act of international terrorism and maritime piracy.
Ukraine has not publicly commented on the accusation. However, Ukraine's military has previously acknowledged using sea drones to sink Russian vessels in the Black Sea. In October 2023, Ukraine unveiled an upgraded sea drone called 'Sea Baby,' capable of carrying a warhead up to about 4,400 pounds and with a range of 930 miles.
The Arctic Metagaz had departed from Murmansk, Russia, and was reportedly bound for Port Said in Egypt. Egyptian authorities denied any links to the vessel, stating it was not en route to any Egyptian port.
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