A Russian-flagged tanker erupts in a massive fire and sinks off Libya

A Russian-flagged tanker sank in the Mediterranean Sea off Libya after an explosion caused a massive fire.

The tanker, carrying 61,000 tons of liquefied natural gas, was under Western sanctions suspected of being part of Russia's energy fleet.

Authorities reported no casualties and indicated the explosion's cause was unclear.

All 30 crew members were rescued and transferred to another vessel headed for Benghazi.

The vessel had set sail from Murmansk, Russia, and was bound for Port Said, Egypt.

Its last known position was off Malta, according to a ship-tracking platform.