Russian Tanker Damaged in Mediterranean Drifts Towards Libyan Coast, Raising Explosion Fears
TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) – A Russian tanker, severely damaged in a suspected drone attack earlier this month, is drifting southward in the Mediterranean Sea towards the Libyan coast, prompting concerns about a potential explosion and environmental disaster. Italy’s civil protection service confirmed Friday the vessel, the Arctic Metagaz, is currently in international waters within Libya’s search and rescue zone, approximately 53 nautical miles north of Tripoli.
The Arctic Metagaz was carrying a consignment of liquified natural gas (LNG) when it was struck on March 3, according to Russian authorities who have accused Ukraine of orchestrating the attack. Ukraine has yet to comment on the incident.
Italian officials say there’s no current evidence of fuel leakage from the ship’s power systems, but the status of the LNG cargo remains unclear. The vessel was abandoned by its 30-person crew.
The tanker is part of what has been described as Russia’s “shadow fleet” – vessels used to circumvent international sanctions imposed following the invasion of Ukraine. These sanctions target Russia’s ability to profit from the sale of oil and gas.
“It is potentially dangerous because of the risk of an explosion,” said Pierfrancesco Demilito, press chief for Italy’s civil protection service, during a news conference. He added that while the ship remains afloat, it has sustained significant damage, including a “large lateral breach,” making any salvage operation complex.
Russia has stated the tanker was carrying around 700 tons of fuel in addition to the LNG. Libyan port authorities estimate the LNG cargo at 62,000 tons destined for Egypt.
Images taken on Sunday showed extensive damage to the Arctic Metagaz, with blackened sections and visible holes on both sides of the hull. Salvage experts are reportedly stationed in Malta, awaiting an opportunity to assess the situation, but the ship’s instability presents a major challenge.
The incident has put Mediterranean nations on alert, nervously monitoring the tanker’s movements as it drifts closer to the Libyan coastline. The potential for a large-scale explosion and subsequent environmental impact remains a significant concern.
