Egypt’s petroleum ministry denied any connection to a Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker that sank in the Mediterranean on Wednesday.
- Egypt’s petroleum ministry denied involvement with the Russian LNG tanker that sank in the Mediterranean.
- The Arctic Metagaz sank between Libya and Malta after catching fire, according to Libya’s maritime rescue agency.
- Russia claims the vessel was attacked by Ukrainian naval drones and labelled it an act of international terrorism.
- All 30 Russian crew members were reported safe, and Malta’s rescue services were thanked for their assistance.
Egypt’s petroleum ministry denied any connection to a Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker that sank in the Mediterranean on Wednesday.
The Arctic Metagaz went down in waters between Libya and Malta after catching fire a day earlier, according to Libya’s maritime rescue agency.
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Russia blames Ukraine
Russia’s transport ministry said the vessel, carrying LNG from the Arctic port of Murmansk, was attacked by Ukrainian naval drones launched from the Libyan coast. All 30 crew members, who are Russian nationals, were reported safe, with the ministry thanking Maltese rescue services.
“We classify this incident as an act of international terrorism and maritime piracy, a gross violation of fundamental international maritime law,” the Russian ministry said.
Libya’s National Oil Corporation also distanced itself from the tanker, noting it was en route to Port Said, Egypt, and had no involvement in the incident.
The Egyptian petroleum ministry confirmed that the tanker was not bound for any Egyptian ports and was not listed under any LNG supply contracts with Egypt, according to Reuters.
Libya’s maritime rescue agency has advised vessels to avoid the site and report any pollution. Industry sources suggest any environmental impact is likely to be limited to fuel oil on board.
