Overview
- The Russian-flagged Arctic Metagaz went down between Libya and Malta after reported sudden blasts and a massive blaze.
- Libyan and Maltese authorities coordinated search and rescue operations, and all 30 crew members were recovered and transferred toward Benghazi.
- Russia’s Transport Ministry accused Ukraine of using unmanned boats launched from Libya’s coast, a claim that has not been independently verified.
- Officials said the tanker was carrying about 61,000 to 62,000 tonnes of liquefied natural gas when it sank.
- The vessel had been under Western sanctions and was cited as part of a Russian “ghost fleet,” having departed Murmansk on a voyage reportedly bound for Port Said.