Russian Tanker Abandoned in Mediterranean to be Towed to Libya
By [Your Name], International Editor
Tripoli, Libya – A damaged Russian-flagged gas tanker that drifted for nearly three weeks in the Mediterranean Sea following an alleged attack will be towed to a Libyan port, Libyan authorities announced Saturday. The move aims to mitigate a potential environmental disaster as the vessel, the Arctic Metagaz, remains laden with liquified natural gas (LNG).
The Arctic Metagaz was carrying approximately 700 metric tons of fuel and LNG when it was hit by explosions on March 3, according to reports. Russia has blamed Ukraine for the incident, alleging a “terrorist attack.” Ukraine has not commented on the accusations.
The 30 crew members were safely rescued, but the vessel was left adrift between Malta and Libya, sparking concerns from Italy and environmental groups. Italian authorities warned the tanker posed a “grave environmental threat” due to the potential for a large-scale fuel spill in a biodiverse area of the Mediterranean.
Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) stated it will work with the Italian energy group Eni to safely tow the vessel. “Managing this environmental threat is fully achievable,” the NOC said in a statement. The company added it has already taken steps to “reduce the risk of pollution.”
Footage taken earlier this month showed significant damage to the Arctic Metagaz, with visible holes in the hull and blackened, fire-damaged sections. According to Italy’s Civil Protection Department, the tanker is currently located in international waters, but within the Libyan search and rescue zone.
Towing the wreck will be a “complex operation” due to the extent of the damage, authorities say. The WWF environmental group has cautioned that any spill could have long-lasting consequences for the Mediterranean ecosystem.
The Arctic Metagaz had been subject to sanctions by the U.S. and European Union, suspected of being part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” used to circumvent international sanctions on Russian oil and gas.
