In brief
The Arctic Metagaz, a sanctioned Russian tanker carrying significant amounts of liquid natural gas (LNG), has been reported adrift in the Mediterranean, raising serious concerns of an ecological disaster. Officials warn of a potential explosion, with Italian authorities urging immediate action from the European Commission. The vessel, damaged in an alleged drone attack earlier in March, poses a substantial risk as it floats towards Libya, necessitating close monitoring by Italian and Maltese officials.
A sanctioned Russian tanker loaded with liquid natural gas is drifting out of control in the Mediterranean, leading to dire warnings from Italian officials about the severe risk of a major ecological disaster. The Arctic Metagaz, deemed an 'environmental bomb' by Italian authorities, has a gaping hole in its hull and is believed to have been compromised by a suspected sea drone attack near Maltese waters. Although Ukraine has not confirmed involvement in the attack, it is in line with its recent tactics against shadow fleets transporting sanctioned Russian oil and gas.Currently, the tanker is uncrewed and moving south, away from Italian waters and towards Libya. Italian Council of Ministers Secretary Alfredo Mantovano expressed concerns that the tanker could 'explode at any moment.' Reports indicate that the vessel contains significant quantities of LNG, as well as 450 tonnes of fuel oil and 250 tonnes of diesel. As of now, the Arctic Metagaz is situated approximately 45 nautical miles from Italian territorial waters and 25 miles from Libyan search-and-rescue zones. The Italian government, along with nine other EU nations, has formally urged the European Commission to take urgent action regarding this dangerous situation.The Arctic Metagaz set sail from Murmansk, Russia, earlier this year and has since been a target in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which continues to see increasing drone strikes targeting Russian maritime assets. The World Wildlife Fund has issued a maximum alert regarding the tanker's hazardous position, warning that an oil spill could have devastating effects on the rich ecosystem in the region.
