LNG Tanker Arctic Metagaz Catches Fire After Suspected Drone Attack Near Malta

The Russian-flagged LNG tanker Arctic Metagaz caught fire in the Mediterranean Sea southeast of Malta early Tuesday following a suspected drone strike, according to maritime security sources.

Explosions and flames were reported around 04:00 local time while the vessel was sailing toward Libya. Images circulating a day after show extensive hull damage and damage to the vessels superstructure. Security analysts said a drone attack is the most likely cause, though no group has claimed responsibility. Sources of to Reuters points to Ukraine.

Sources familiar with the response said the Armed Forces of Malta dispatched a patrol aircraft after distress calls were heard on maritime radio channels. All crew members were reported accounted for after abandoning the vessel, and another commercial vessel is assisting the tanker.

The incident is believed to have occurred roughly 150 nautical miles southeast of Malta in international waters, within the Libyan search and rescue region. Flight-tracking data also showed a German maritime patrol aircraft from Sigonella, Sicily, circling the area for several hours following the incident.

AIS data from ShipAtlas showed the tanker near Hurd’s Bank outside Maltese territorial waters less than a day before the attack. The vessel’s exact position following the incident has not been confirmed.

The tanker is reportedly linked to Russia’s shadow fleet and has previously been listed under U.S., U.K., and EU sanctions related to energy exports.