• A Russian LNG tanker, Arctic Metagaz, sank in the Mediterranean after alleged explosions.
• Russia accuses Ukraine of launching naval drones from Libya to attack the tanker.
• All 30 crew members were rescued unharmed during the incident.
• The tanker was carrying approximately 61,000 to 62,000 metric tonnes of LNG.
• This incident raises concerns over maritime security and previous Ukrainian attacks on Russian vessels.

A Russian tanker carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG) sank in the Mediterranean on March 4 after experiencing sudden explosions and a subsequent fire, according to Libya's maritime rescue agency. The Arctic Metagaz was en route from Murmansk to Port Said, Egypt, when it was reportedly attacked by Ukrainian naval drones launched from the Libyan coast, as claimed by Russia's transport ministry. After a successful rescue operation, all 30 crew members, all Russian nationals, were reported safe and sound by Maltese authorities.

The tanker sank approximately 150 miles off the Libyan coast, carrying about 61,000 to 62,000 metric tonnes of LNG when it met its fate. Russia's Vladimir Putin described the incident as a "terrorist attack," expressing concerns over what he characterized as "international terrorism and maritime piracy." However, there has been no independent verification of the claims regarding the cause of the explosions, nor has Ukraine's Security Bureau commented on the allegations as of yet.

This incident marks a notable development in the ongoing maritime conflict between Russia and Ukraine, exacerbated by previous Ukrainian attacks against Russian vessels. Claims of previous incidents originating from Libya add to the complexity of the situation. The Arctic Metagaz is seen as part of Russia's "shadow fleet," operating under Western sanctions designed to disrupt Moscow's war funding as Ukraine continues its defense against the Russian invasion.