A Russian LNGC, which is sanctioned by both the US and the UK, has caught fire while transiting the Mediterranean, following a reported explosion, according to Reuters.
The vessel, identified as the ‘Arctic Metagaz’, was damaged while sailing between Malta and Libya.
Shipping and maritime security sources told Reuters that the tanker was ablaze, though no official distress signal had been received.
According to MarineTraffic ship tracking data, the vessel last reported its position off the coast of Malta.
Security firm EOS Risk Group, talking with Reuters, indicated the ship may have suffered a drone attack while sailing towards the Suez Canal after departing Murmansk on 24th February with an LNG cargo loaded from an FSU.
The vessel had allegedly deactivated its AIS tracker for around 300 km prior to the incident.
