Libyan Ports Authority: Russian gas tanker sinks in waters between Libya and Malta

Tripoli, March 4, 2026 (LANA) – The Libyan Ports and Maritime Transport Authority announced the sinking of a Russian gas tanker in the Mediterranean Sea after it was struck by explosions followed by a massive fire on Tuesday evening in the waters between Libya and Malta.

In a highly important navigational bulletin issued early Wednesday morning, the Authority stated that the tanker, named "Arctic Metagas," was a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier.

It explained that, based on information received by the Libyan Search and Rescue Center's operations room, a distress call was received from the tanker on Tuesday evening as it was passing through Libyan-Maltese waters. The tanker then experienced sudden explosions on board, causing a large fire and the complete sinking of the vessel.

The Libyan Maritime Authority indicated that the tanker, approximately 277 meters long and carrying a cargo of about 62,000 metric tons of liquefied natural gas, sank about 130 nautical miles north of the port of Sirte in north-central Libya. It confirmed that the wreckage lies within the Libyan search and rescue area.

The maritime circular noted that upon receiving the report, the Libyan side immediately coordinated with the Maltese authorities. A cargo ship, the closest to the scene, was dispatched to provide assistance and successfully rescued all 30 crew members of the tanker, with no serious injuries reported.

The Libyan Ports and Maritime Transport Authority urged passing vessels to avoid the area where the Russian tanker sank, citing the potential presence of debris whose dimensions and depth have not yet been precisely determined. They also expressed concern about the possibility of flammable or polluting materials leaking from the ship's tanks, which could pose a threat to maritime navigation and the marine environment in the area.

The cause of the explosions preceding the fire remains unknown. Libyan news outlets circulated a video showing the Russian tanker ablaze, and the Russian side has yet to comment. In mid-December, a Russian tanker was attacked by drones off the Libyan coast. Ukraine claimed responsibility for the attack, describing it as targeting what it called Russia's "shadow fleet," according to AFP. Officials explained... Ukrainians told the agency that "Russia was using this tanker to circumvent sanctions" to finance "its war against Ukraine."

The Ports Authority published the geographical coordinates of the sinking location, technical information about the tanker, and its ownership:

- The following geographical coordinates (Latitude: 34° 17.6` N - Longitude: 017° 04.0` E) place the location approximately 130 nautical miles north of the port of Sirte.

- Details of the sunken tanker:

- Vessel name: Arctic Metagas

- Vessel type: Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Carrier

- Flag of country: Russia

- IMO number: 9243148

- MMSI number: 273262840

- Dimensions: Length: 277.00 meters

- Cargo: 62,000 metric tons of LNG

- Route of origin: Murmansk, Russia, to Port Said, Egypt

...(LANA)...