Russia blames Ukrainian naval drones as tanker sinks in Mediterranean

Published: March 5, 2026 . The English Chronicle Desk . The English Chronicle Online

A Russian-flagged liquefied natural gas tanker has sunk in the Mediterranean Sea following explosions and a large fire, with Moscow accusing Ukraine of carrying out a drone attack on the vessel. The incident has raised concerns about the widening geographic reach of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the potential risks to global energy shipping routes.

The tanker, identified as the Arctic Metagaz, sank in waters between Libya and Malta after a series of explosions triggered a major fire aboard the vessel. Maritime authorities in Libya reported that a distress call was received late on Tuesday night before the vessel eventually went down in the central Mediterranean.

According to Russian officials, the ship was attacked by Ukrainian naval drones launched from the Libyan coast. Russia’s transport ministry described the incident as “an act of international terrorism and maritime piracy,” arguing that the strike violated fundamental norms of international maritime law.

Despite the severity of the explosions and fire, all 30 crew members, who were Russian nationals, were successfully rescued after abandoning the ship. Two crew members reportedly suffered burns but there were no fatalities. Rescuers later transferred the survivors to another vessel bound for the Libyan port city of Benghazi.

Libyan maritime authorities confirmed that the tanker had been carrying approximately 61,000 tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) when the incident occurred. The vessel had departed from the Russian port of Murmansk and was reportedly heading toward Port Said in Egypt before the explosions took place.

Officials said the explosions were followed by a massive fire that quickly spread through the ship’s structure, eventually causing it to sink completely. Authorities have warned other vessels to avoid the area due to possible hazards, including debris and potential fuel leakage from the wreckage.

Russia’s accusation against Ukraine has not yet been independently verified, and Ukrainian officials have not publicly commented on the claim. Analysts note that if confirmed, the incident would represent a rare Ukrainian strike against a Russian vessel far from the main theatre of war in the Black Sea.

The sinking also highlights the vulnerability of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of energy tankers, a network of ships used to transport oil and gas exports despite Western sanctions imposed following the invasion of Ukraine. Several such vessels have previously been targeted or damaged in drone attacks linked to the broader conflict.

Energy analysts warn that attacks on commercial shipping could have wider implications for global energy markets. Liquefied natural gas shipments play a critical role in international supply chains, particularly for countries dependent on imported gas. Disruptions to maritime transport routes could increase volatility in global energy prices and raise concerns about the security of shipping lanes.

The Mediterranean Sea is one of the world’s most heavily trafficked maritime corridors, connecting European, Middle Eastern and North African energy routes. A strike on a commercial vessel in these waters could heighten tensions among regional governments and increase pressure for stronger maritime security measures.

The incident also reflects the evolving tactics used during the Russia-Ukraine war. Naval drones and other unmanned systems have become a central feature of modern maritime warfare, enabling relatively small or distant forces to strike large ships and naval targets with precision.

Security experts note that Ukraine has previously demonstrated the ability to use maritime drones against Russian naval vessels in the Black Sea, damaging or destroying several ships since the start of the war. The potential extension of such tactics into the wider Mediterranean would mark a significant shift in the geographical scope of the conflict.

For now, investigations into the cause of the explosions are ongoing. Maritime authorities are expected to analyse satellite imagery, shipping data and debris from the wreckage to determine whether the tanker was indeed struck by drones or whether another factor triggered the fire.

As geopolitical tensions remain high and the war continues to affect global energy and shipping networks, the sinking of the Arctic Metagaz underscores how the conflict’s impact is increasingly being felt far beyond the original front lines.

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