Russia Blames Ukraine For Blown Up Tanker Outside Malta's SAR

Russia’s transport ministry has blamed Ukrainian naval drones for striking the Arctic Metagaz, a Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, which blew up outside Malta’s search and rescue zone.

The Armed Forces of Malta, yesterday, reported that the Rescue Coordination Centre Malta of the AFM was informed of a distress situation outside its Search and Rescue area.

The vessel was transiting the Mediterranean, with the AFM locating it and conducting rescues for survivors.

The Russian ministry reported that all 30 Russian crew members on board the vessel were rescued. The alleged Ukrainian attacks were condemned as ‘acts of international terrorism and maritime piracy.’

The ministry claimed the attack occurred near Maltese international waters with drones launched from Libya.

‘If confirmed, this would mark the first alleged Ukrainian attack on a Russian LNG carrier, though Ukraine has previously targeted Russian oil refineries and energy infrastructure’, the Independent reported.

The Ukrainian Security Service has not commented on the allegations.

#MaltaDaily