The Russian-flagged liquefied natural gas tanker Arctic Metagaz is on fire in the Mediterranean, maritime security sources said on Tuesday.
The incident is understood to have occurred some 150 nautical miles in international waters southeast off Malta.
Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri said: “The vessel was located, and coordination actions were taken in line with international search and rescue obligations, including communication to all vessels in the vicinity and contact with the relevant international authorities,” Camilleri said. “During the search effort, the entire crew was found safe and well in a lifeboat within the Libyan Search and Rescue Region (SRR).” Crew members safe: AFM
In a statement the Armed Forces of Malta said: “Upon receipt of the alert, RCC Malta initiated verification procedures and efforts to establish the exact position of the vessel. The vessel was located, and coordination actions were undertaken in line with international search and rescue obligations, including broadcasts to shipping and liaison with relevant international authorities,” the statement read. “Survivors were subsequently located within the Libyan SRR in a lifeboat during the search effort. All crew were reported safely onboard the lifeboat.
Opposition Leader Alex Borg reacted to the incident by saying he met with Prime Minister Robert Abela and Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri and offered our assistance to the Government in this situation and asked that as Opposition we be informed of what is happening. This particular moment requires us to rise above political partisanship and all work hand in hand.
