A damaged Russian tanker carrying liquefied natural gas has drifted into Libyan territorial waters, sparking fears of an ecological disaster. The vessel, the Arctic Metagaz, has been adrift in the Mediterranean for two weeks after being struck by a suspected drone attack earlier this month. Italy's civil protection agency confirmed the tanker's location on Wednesday, noting that responsibility now falls on Libyan authorities.
The Arctic Metagaz is part of Russia's 'shadow fleet' used to circumvent sanctions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine. The suspected drone attack left a large hole in the tanker, and the crew is believed to have been rescued between Malta and Libya. The vessel was previously adrift near Malta and the Italian island of Lampedusa, prompting six EU countries to warn the European Commission of an 'imminent and serious risk of a major ecological disaster'.
Italy's civil protection agency stated that no leaks have been detected, but the primary risk is the dispersion of hydrocarbons onboard. Approximately 90 tonnes of heavy oil or diesel are present, along with an unknown quantity of natural gas. Libya has issued a navigation advisory urging caution in the area, where sea conditions are currently rough.
Russia's foreign ministry acknowledged the situation, saying Moscow's involvement depends on 'concrete circumstances'. Russia's transport ministry claimed the vessel was attacked by Ukrainian naval drones launched from the Libyan coast, though this has not been independently verified.
