Russian Gas Carrier Arctic Metagaz Struck by Ukrainian Unmanned Boats off Libya

RUSSIA – Ukrainian unmanned boats on Tuesday struck a Russian gas carrier Arctic Metagaz in the Mediterranean sea, off Libya’s coasts, according to the Russian Transport Ministry on Wednesday.

“On March 3, an attack was carried out on the Russian gas carrier Arctic Metagaz in close proximity to the territorial waters of the EU member state of Malta,” the Ministry said.

According to the statement, the vessel was en route from the northwestern Russian port of Murmansk and was carrying cargo “cleared in accordance with all international regulations.”

“We classify this incident as an act of international terrorism and maritime piracy, a gross violation of the fundamental norms of international maritime law,” the ministry added.

It added that such acts, allegedly carried out with the “connivance of the authorities of European Union member states,” must not go unnoticed by the international community.

All 30 crew members were rescued, according to the ministry.