A damaged Russian tanker, Arctic Metagaz, drifting in the Mediterranean Sea is set to be towed to a port in Libya, authorities have confirmed.
The vessel, believed to be part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” used to transport fossil fuels under sanctions, was carrying liquefied natural gas to Egypt when it was struck by a series of explosions earlier this month.
All 30 crew members were safely rescued, but footage shows the tanker severely damaged, with visible fire marks and holes in its hull, leaving it listing dangerously.
Russia has blamed the attack on Ukrainian naval drones, although Ukraine has not officially responded to the allegations.
After drifting for nearly three weeks, the vessel entered Libya’s search and rescue zone, prompting a coordinated response. Authorities in Italy are now working with Libyan officials to tow the tanker to safety and prevent a potential environmental disaster.
Leaders from Italy, Spain, Malta, Greece and Cyprus have jointly warned that the tanker poses an “imminent and serious risk” of major pollution.
In a letter to the European Commission, they called for urgent activation of the bloc’s civil protection mechanism to mobilise resources and avoid ecological damage.
The situation has also raised broader concerns about vessels operating outside international safety standards, with officials warning of growing threats to maritime safety and the environment across the Mediterranean.
