Russian Gas Tanker Sinks in Mediterranean, Ukraine Accused of Drone Attack
A Russian-flagged liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, the Arctic Metagaz, was reportedly hit by an attack and caught fire before sinking in the Mediterranean Sea on March 3. The incident left two sailors injured, who were subsequently transported to a hospital in Benghazi. Russia has accused Ukraine of conducting the attack using naval drones, a claim Ukraine has yet to comment on.
The Incident and Background
The Arctic Metagaz was transporting 138,000 cubic meters of LNG extracted from the Great North Russian region when it was hit by explosions and caught fire. The ship, which had been carrying 61,000 tonnes of LNG, was located about 150 miles (240km) off the coast of Libya at the time of the incident. All 30 crew members were rescued, but two sailors were injured.
The Russian Transport Ministry described the attack as an act of international terrorism and maritime piracy, a sentiment echoed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who stated, It is not the first time already when we face things of such kind.
The Arctic Metagaz had been sanctioned by the US and EU for being part of Moscow’s “shadow fleet” of ageing tankers that carry its oil and gas around the world, skirting Western restrictions.
The Accusations and Reactions
Russian authorities have blamed the attack on Ukrainian naval drones, claiming they originated from Libya. Putin accused Ukraine of carrying out a terrorist attack, a sentiment echoed by multiple Russian sources.
However, Ukrainian authorities have not yet commented on these allegations. Meanwhile, some sources have reported Ukrainian drones causing damage to Russian civilian sites in the south-western region of Saratov, although it is not clear if these incidents are connected.
The Aftermath and Implications
The attack on the Arctic Metagaz is seen by Russia as a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, with President Putin describing it as a terrorist act. The incident has raised concerns about the potential for further attacks on commercial shipping in the Mediterranean Sea, a critical route for global trade.
The sinking of the Arctic Metagaz is also likely to intensify the ongoing geopolitical tensions between Russia and the West, with the vessel having been under US and EU sanctions. The incident may further strain the already fraught relations between Russia and Ukraine, potentially escalating the ongoing war between the two nations.
Conclusion
The investigation into the exact circumstances of the attack on the Arctic Metagaz is ongoing. As the world waits for further clarification, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the escalating tensions in the region and the potential implications for global trade and security. As of now, the Ukrainian government has not responded to the accusations laid against it by Russia.