A Russian-flagged liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker, the Arctic Metagaz, caught fire in the Mediterranean Sea on Thursday, Libyan authorities said. Moscow accused Ukraine of a drone attack on the vessel, which occurred between Malta and Libya.

Reuters reports that the Arctic Metagaz, which is under sanctions by the US, EU and UK, was engulfed in flames off the coast of Malta, with some media outlets placing the incident closer to the Libyan coast. Photos and videos posted on social media showed large flames in the early hours of Tuesday. Russian authorities reported that all 30 crew members were safe and well.

The fire may have been caused by a Ukrainian naval drone attack, although this has not been officially confirmed. According to the Russian news agency TASS, the tanker was hit by a naval drone launched from the coast of Libya. The ship had set off from the Russian port of Murmansk.

Libyan authorities report that the ship is located 130 nautical miles north of Sirte and warn all ships near the area of ​​the risk of collision, leakage of LNG or fuel, as well as the risk of fire or marine pollution.

The Ukrainian military has not yet commented on the reports. Analysts suggest that the Arctic Metagaz may be part of Russia's so-called "shadow fleet," made up of ships with murky ownership and flags of convenience that are used to transport Russian oil despite international restrictions.

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