A Russian LNG tanker sank off Libya's coast after a fire, but all 30 crew members were rescued unharmed, according to Euronews.
A Russian LNG tanker caught fire and sank off the Libyan coast, with all 30 crew rescued unharmed, reported Lyon's Euronews.
Libyan authorities stated that the Arctic Metagaz suffered sudden explosions north of Sirte on March 4, leading to a massive fire and its sinking approximately 130 nautical miles from the port. The vessel had issued distress calls to port and naval authorities.
Malta's armed forces confirmed receiving a distress message and geolocating the ship. The tanker was suspected of being part of Russia's shadow fleet evading Western sanctions, according to tracking data.
Russia's transport ministry accused Ukraine of attacking the vessel with naval drones from the Libyan coast. The tanker had been loaded and was sailing from Murmansk. Ukraine's military has not commented on the claim.
Authorities did not disclose the nationalities of the crew. All 30 seafarers were reported safe after being rescued from the burning vessel.
