Damaged Russian LNG Tanker Enters Libyan Waters Amid Ecological Crisis Fears
A severely damaged Russian tanker transporting liquified natural gas (LNG) has drifted into Libyan territorial waters, heightening concerns over a potential ecological catastrophe in the Mediterranean Sea. The vessel, identified as the Arctic Metagaz, was part of Russia's 'shadow fleet' used to bypass international sanctions following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Suspected Drone Attack Leaves Tanker Adrift
The Arctic Metagaz sustained significant damage, including a massive hole, from a suspected drone attack earlier this month near Maltese waters. The crew was reportedly rescued in the area between Malta and Libya. For two weeks, the tanker has been adrift, initially floating between Malta and the Sicilian island of Lampedusa, prompting urgent warnings from multiple European governments.
Italy's civil protection agency confirmed on Wednesday that the vessel is now within Libya's maritime boundaries, shifting responsibility to the North African nation's authorities. A spokesperson stated that while no leaks have been detected yet, the primary risk involves the dispersion of hydrocarbons into the sea, with approximately 90 tonnes of heavy oil or diesel onboard. Additionally, there is uncertainty regarding the quantity of LNG, posing a further threat of gas dispersion.
International Response and Warnings
In response to the drifting tanker, the governments of Italy, France, Malta, Spain, Greece, and Cyprus jointly wrote to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, highlighting an imminent and serious risk of a major ecological disaster. Libya has since issued a navigation advisory, urging all vessels in the rough sea conditions to exercise maximum caution.
Russia's foreign ministry acknowledged the situation, noting that the Arctic Metagaz had been carrying LNG from the Arctic port of Murmansk. Moscow indicated that its involvement in resolving the crisis would depend on concrete circumstances. Meanwhile, Russia's transport ministry alleged that the attack was carried out by Ukrainian naval drones launched from the Libyan coast, though this claim remains unverified.
The incident underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions and environmental vulnerabilities in the region, as the damaged tanker continues to pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
