Russian Tanker Drifting in Mediterranean Poses Ecological Threat, Southern European Nations Warn
ROME – Five southern European nations have urgently appealed to the European Commission for a solution regarding an unmanned Russian tanker drifting in the Mediterranean Sea, citing a significant environmental risk. Leaders from Italy, Spain, Malta, Greece, and Cyprus jointly warned of a potential “major ecological disaster” in a letter confirmed by the Spanish government Wednesday.
The vessel, identified as the Arctic Metagaz, is part of what has been described as Russia’s “shadow fleet” used to transport sanctioned fossil fuels. It sustained damage earlier this month following a suspected attack by sea drones near Maltese waters, according to reports. Russia has blamed Ukrainian naval drones for the incident, which occurred off the coast of Libya.
The tanker, carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other fuels, is now adrift without a crew and with a potentially explosive cargo. Italian authorities have already imposed a 7-kilometer exclusion zone around the vessel, fearing a possible explosion, according to undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano.
The joint letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen requests the activation of the bloc’s civil protection mechanism to coordinate a response and mobilize resources. The leaders emphasized the “precarious condition” of the ship and the hazardous nature of its cargo as key concerns.
“The precarious condition of the vessel, combined with the nature of its specialized cargo, gives rise to an imminent and serious risk of a major ecological disaster in the heart of the union’s maritime space,” the letter stated.
The Arctic Metagaz was initially drifting between Malta and the Italian island of Lampedusa, but is now moving closer to the Libyan coast, Maltese media reported Wednesday.
The situation highlights broader concerns about vessels operating outside of international safety and environmental standards in the Mediterranean, the leaders added, indicating their intention to raise the issue at this week’s European Council meeting. They expressed a willingness to collaborate with the Commission to achieve a “swift, European-led resolution.”
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the region and scrutiny of Russia’s efforts to circumvent international sanctions following its invasion of Ukraine. The potential for a large-scale environmental catastrophe adds another layer of complexity to the geopolitical landscape.