Russian Gas Tanker Explodes Outside Malta’s Search & Rescue Zone

A gas tanker, which is said to form part of Russia’s shadow fleet, has reportedly exploded between Malta and Libya.

The Armed Forces of Malta reported that, earlier this afternoon, the Rescue Coordination Centre Malta of the AFM was informed of a distress situation outside its Search and Rescue area, involving a merchant vessel MT ARCTIC METAGAZ.

The vessel was reportedly transiting the central Mediterranean and, upon receipt of the alert, the RCC Malta initiated verification procedures.

The vessel was located and coordination actions were undertaken in line with international search and rescue obligations.

‘Survivors were subsequently located within the Libyan SRR in a lifeboat during the search effort. All crew were reported safely onboard the lifeboat.’

Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri said that during the search effort, ‘all crew members were found safe and accounted for in a lifeboat within the Libyan Search and Rescue Region (SRR).’

PN Leader Alex Borg corroborated a meeting between himself, Shadow Minister Darren Carabott, the Prime Minister and Minister Camilleri, and said that they were all monitoring the situation closely.

Borg said that the Opposition offered its assistance to address the situation and asked that they be informed with updates.

‘This particular moment requires we rise above partisan politics and that we work hand in hand.’

#MaltaDaily