Russia shows damaged sanctioned LNG carrier near coast of Libya

Russia has released photos of its sanctioned LNG carrier Arktik Metagaz, which was damaged near the coast of Malta in March while travelling from the port of Murmansk to China.

Source: Russian media outlet Interfax; photos published by the Investigative Committee of Russia

Details: Russian officials accused Ukraine of carrying out the attack, although the Ukrainian side has not commented on the allegations.

The report says investigators from Russia's Investigative Committee travelled to Libya to conduct investigative actions and inspect the vessel using aerial and underwater drones.

According to Investigative Committee spokesperson Svetlana Petrenko, investigators are studying data from the vessel's black box recorder.

Petrenko said investigators documented traces of fire, the complete destruction of the vessel's control systems and damage to two of its four gas tanks.

"The nature of the damage indicates external impact from explosive devices. During the inspection, no signs of environmental contamination were found and no fuel leaks were detected," she said.

The Investigative Committee claims that on 3 March 2026, while travelling from Murmansk to China, the Russian LNG carrier was attacked near Malta by at least two drones and at least three uncrewed explosive boats.

Background:

• Earlier, Russia's Transport Ministry said the vessel had been attacked in the Mediterranean Sea near Malta's territorial waters and described the incident as "an act of international terrorism and maritime piracy".
• The crew abandoned the vessel, which later drifted between Libya and Malta.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!