Mystery Blaze Off Malta as Sanctioned Russian LNG Tanker Explodes in Suspected Drone Strike
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A sanctioned Russian LNG tanker believed to form part of Moscow’s so-called “shadow fleet” has been destroyed in a mysterious explosion in international waters to the southeast of Malta, with reports pointing to a possible drone attack.
Multiple sources said the Russian-flagged Arctic Metagaz exploded at around 4am while transiting the central Mediterranean between Malta and Libya. A series of blasts was reported before the crew abandoned ship. Footage shared on X, which could not be immediately verified, showed the vessel engulfed in flames.
🔥 The Russian flagged liquefied natural gas tanker Arctic Metagaz is on fire in the Mediterranean with the fate of its crew unknown, – Reuters
The vessel, which is under U.S. and UK sanctions, last reported its position as sailing off the coast of Malta on Monday. pic.twitter.com/gQaZOIRld8
Security sources indicated the vessel was “likely” struck by enemy fire, with EOS Risk Group reporting a suspected maritime drone attack. Telegram accounts sympathetic to Ukraine claimed the ship was hit by a Ukrainian drone. Reuters recently reported similar unexplained blasts involving oil tankers in the Mediterranean.
The vessel, which had departed Murmansk on 24 February and was reportedly bound for Suez, is under US and UK sanctions since 2024. Of particular concern, sources said the tanker had deactivated its automatic identification system for part of its journey, allegedly following a “gray route” to circumvent restrictions.
Malta’s Rescue Coordination Centre initiated verification procedures after being alerted. The Armed Forces of Malta deployed an aircraft, while a German maritime patrol aircraft was also observed circling the area. Authorities confirmed all crew were found safe in a lifeboat within the Libyan Search and Rescue Region.
Opposition leader Alex Borg met Prime Minister Robert Abela and Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri, offering bipartisan support. Camilleri said the situation continues to be monitored.
Reportedly, this is the Arctic Metagaz tanker after the strike.
