Libyan Waters Receive Damaged Russian Natural Gas Tanker. Tripoli, Libya — A damaged Russian tanker carrying liquified natural gas (LNG) has drifted into Libyan waters, raising concerns over a potential ecological disaster, according to Italy’s civil protection agency.
The Arctic Metagaz, which was part of a Russian “shadow fleet “used to bypass sanctions, was struck by a suspected drone attack near Maltese waters earlier this month, causing a significant hole in the vessel.
The crew of the Arctic Metagaz is believed to have been rescued between Malta and Libya.
The tanker, which had been adrift between Malta and the Sicilian island of Lampedusa, prompted the governments of Italy, France, Malta, Spain, Greece, and Cyprus to issue a joint letter to the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, warning of the imminent and serious risk of a major ecological disaster. Italy’s civil protection agency has been monitoring the situation and confirmed that the tanker is now in Libyan territorial waters, placing responsibility with the north African country’s authorities.
Libya issued a navigation advisory to all vessels in the area, urging caution due to rough sea conditions.
While no leaks have been detected, the agency emphasized the risk of hydrocarbon dispersion into the sea, including approximately 90 tonnes of heavy oil or diesel.
The Arctic Metagaz was carrying LNG from the Arctic port of Murmansk.
Russia’s foreign ministry acknowledged the tanker’s adrift status in the Mediterranean, stating that Moscow’s involvement in resolving the situation depends on “concrete circumstances.”Russia’s transport ministry claimed the vessel was attacked by Ukrainian naval drones launched from the Libyan coast.
The situation remains under close observation, with further details expected to emerge as the authorities work to mitigate the potential ecological impact.
