Sanctioned Russian LNG Tanker Drifts Toward Malta After Suspected Ukrainian Attack

A blackened Russian LNG tanker, the Arctic Metagaz, is drifting toward Malta after suffering catastrophic damage from explosions and fire off Libya on March 3. The 277-meter vessel, part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” sanctioned by the U.S. and EU, now floats unmanned with two large hull breaches.

Russia accused Ukraine of a drone strike, calling it a “terrorist attack.” Kyiv has not commented. All 30 crew members were rescued.

The ship was carrying 62,000 metric tonnes of LNG destined for Egypt and 816 metric tonnes of diesel. Environmental groups warn that a spill could trigger fires, cryogenic clouds lethal to marine life, and long-term pollution in one of the Mediterranean’s most biodiverse zones.

Malta and Italy are monitoring the wreck. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni convened emergency talks, and salvage teams are preparing in Malta as a specialist vessel approaches.