Russian LNG tanker sinks in Mediterranean after explosions; Egypt denies link

A Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker sank in the Mediterranean Sea after explosions and a large fire that broke out on board, while authorities moved to rescue the crew and investigate the cause of the incident, Al Sahrq Al Awsat reported on March 4.

Libya’s Libyan Ports and Maritime Transport Authority said it received a distress call from the LNG tanker Arctic Metagaz. The vessel reportedly experienced a series of explosions followed by a major blaze that led to it sinking in waters between Libya and Malta.

The authority said the Libyan Search and Rescue Centre coordinated with Maltese counterparts to evacuate all 30 crew members safely. According to official coordinates, the 277-metre vessel now rests on the seabed about 130 nautical miles north of Sirte.

Meanwhile, Egypt’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources denied any connection to the tanker, stressing in a statement that the ship was not part of any contractual arrangements to supply or receive natural gas shipments destined for Egypt.

The Russian Ministry of Transport said the tanker had come under attack in the Mediterranean, claiming that Ukrainian drone boats targeted the vessel near Maltese territorial waters.

Malta’s armed forces confirmed they assisted in evacuating the crew after receiving a distress alert.

Ship-tracking data cited by Bloomberg indicated the tanker was likely heading to China, the only buyer currently receiving gas from sanctioned Russian export projects. The cargo reportedly originated from the Arctic LNG 2 development, which has been under US sanctions since 2023.