Russian LNG Tanker Sinks in Mediterranean After Explosions; Russia Blames Ukrainian Drones

The Russian-flagged liquefied natural gas tanker Arctic Metagaz caught fire and sank in the Mediterranean Sea near Libya after sudden explosions on March 3, 2026. All 30 crew members were rescued and reported safe. Russia's Transport Ministry accused Ukrainian naval drones launched from Libya of attacking the vessel, calling it an act of terrorism, while Ukrainian officials have not commented. The tanker, under Western sanctions, was en route from Murmansk, Russia, to Port Said, Egypt. Libyan authorities warned vessels to avoid the area.