Russian LNG tanker sinks 130 nautical miles north of Sirt port in Libya

2026-03-04 - 10:47

The Libyan Ports and Maritime Transport Authority announced Wednesday that a Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker sank Tuesday evening 130 nautical miles north of the port of Sirte, within the Libyan search and rescue zone. In a statement, the Authority said that the Libyan Search and Rescue Center received a distress call from the tanker Tuesday evening reporting sudden explosions followed by a massive fire that ultimately led to its complete sinking. The statement explained that the Libyan Search and Rescue Center coordinated with its Maltese counterpart in the search and rescue operation, directing a cargo ship en route to Benghazi to the scene. It confirmed that the ship successfully rescued the tanker’s entire crew of 30, all of whom are in good health. The Authority warned all ships and maritime units to stay away from the site due to the navigational hazard and the presence of a sunken vessel whose dimensions and depth have not yet been determined. It also warned of a potential environmental risk arising from the possible leakage of LNG or petroleum products from the tanker’s tanks. –KUNA