The Russian LNG tanker “Arctic Metagaz” apparently did not sink after an explosion and a major fire off the Libyan coast on the morning of March 3, as had been reported previously, but is still drifting in the Mediterranean. Initially, the Libyan coast guard reported the sinking of the 277-meter-long vessel, but several subsequent reports contradict this. This increases the risk on a heavily trafficked shipping lane, as the disabled tanker may still be carrying large quantities of liquefied natural gas. This poses a threat of collisions, further fires, or an uncontrolled gas leak. Other ships in the region are particularly at risk, while Malta has already prepared emergency plans. (spiegel: 12.03.26)
Explosion on tanker remains unexplained
To this day, it is unclear exactly what happened on board. However, it is certain that the tanker was rocked by two powerful explosions within a short period of time. Infrared images from the European weather satellite Meteosat-12 support this account, while many operational details remain unavailable.
The initial report of the sinking appears to have been premature. Later, several clues surfaced suggesting the wreck was still afloat. These included a photograph purportedly showing the tanker burned out and listing significantly. While German naval circles expressed doubts about its authenticity, image examiners found no clear evidence of AI manipulation.
Malta warns ships and monitors the drift
New reports from the shipping industry have further aggravated the situation. According to these reports, observers initially assumed the ship had sunk because a Maltese aircraft had only photographed a severely damaged vessel. However, authorities in Malta and Italy later came to a different conclusion. They now believe the “Arctic Metagaz” is still afloat and drifting towards Lampedusa. This is why every new sighting has gained significance.
Maltese media are also reporting a tanker still adrift. The government is therefore preparing measures in case the ship reaches national waters. At the same time, analyzed flight data shows daily surveillance flights in the affected area. This is considered strong evidence because such patrols would hardly be necessary if the ship had already sunk. The explosion on the tanker is thus having repercussions far beyond the immediate vicinity of the disaster.
The most important clue so far comes directly from Malta. The Maltese Ministry of Transport issued a warning to all ships in the region and specified the exact location of the drifting LNG tanker. Crews are therefore advised to maintain a distance of at least five nautical miles. This warning demonstrates the seriousness of the situation. The “Arctic Metagaz” could transport up to 140,000 cubic meters of gas, equivalent to the annual consumption of almost 60,000 German households. An unmanned tanker of this size, therefore, poses a massive safety risk to the entire maritime area after the explosion.