Russian LNG Tanker Explodes in Mediterranean After Suspected Drone Attack
The sanctioned Russian vessel, carrying LNG from a project funding the Ukraine war, exploded early Tuesday southeast of Malta, roughly 30 to 150 nautical miles from the island. Russia's Transport Ministry blamed Ukrainian sea drones from Libya's coast, calling it terrorism, while Ukraine stayed silent amid online speculation. All 25 to 30 Russian crew members were rescued unharmed by a nearby ship, with no cargo spill reported, but the tanker now drifts badly damaged with a hull nearly split amidships.