Russia blames Ukrainian sea drones after tanker explodes and sinks in the Mediterranean

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

Russia blames Ukrainian sea drones after tanker explodes and sinks in the Mediterranean

By SAMY MAGDY
Updated 1:26 PM EST, March 4, 2026

CAIRO (AP) — A Russian-flagged tanker carrying liquefied natural gas exploded and erupted in flames before sinking in the Mediterranean Sea off Libya, authorities in the North African country said Wednesday. Russia asserted that an attack by Ukrainian sea drones was to blame.

The Libyan Maritime Authority reported “sudden explosions, followed by a massive fire” on the Arctic Metagaz on Tuesday, when it was about 240 kilometers (150 miles) off the city of Sirte.

The tanker, carrying 61,000 tons of LNG, “completely sank” between Libya and Malta, a statement said. All 30 crew members were rescued and put on another vessel heading to the Libyan city of Benghazi, it said.

Russia’s Transport Ministry said the vessel was hit by Ukrainian sea drones launched from the Libyan coast. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday evening called what happened to the tanker “a terrorist attack” that “exacerbates the situation on global energy markets, including gas markets.”

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Read more: https://apnews.com/article/russia-libya-lng-carrier-arctic-metagaz-e40477839f7e8c5863492ec6de2b95de

[The Madcap]

1. Too bad, Vlad.