A Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker, Arctic Metagaz, is drifting uncontrollably in the Mediterranean Sea after a failed towing operation off Libya’s coast. The vessel, carrying LNG from Russia’s Arctic port of Murmansk, broke free from a Libyan tugboat during a storm, posing significant environmental risks. Libya’s Ports and Maritime Transport Authority had attempted to tow the tanker to safety, but severe weather conditions, with wind gusts reaching up to 40-50 knots and waves five meters high, thwarted the operation.
The tanker, which was allegedly attacked by Ukrainian naval drones in March, has been adrift since then, prompting concerns from Italy, France, Spain, and other EU nations about a potential ecological disaster. Libyan authorities have issued navigational warnings, advising ships to maintain a 10 nautical mile distance from the vessel. The National Oil Corporation (NOC) is working with Italian company Eni to address the situation and prevent pollution.
