The Russian tanker Arctic Metagaz, carrying liquefied natural gas, has been drifting in the Mediterranean Sea for more than two weeks after a drone attack and a fire on board. The crew was evacuated, but the damaged vessel, carrying a dangerous cargo, remains out of control, posing the risk of a major environmental disaster. EU countries are calling for urgent response measures.
The Russian tanker Arctic Metagaz, carrying liquefied natural gas, is drifting in the Mediterranean Sea. Drones struck the vessel in international waters 168 nautical miles southeast of Malta. The vessel, carrying 100,000 cubic meters of liquefied natural gas, lost propulsion and power, and suffered a fire and gas explosion. All the sailors evacuated in a lifeboat and were rescued that same evening.
The vessel has been adrift in the Mediterranean Sea for three months since March 3. The Libyan Maritime Agency initially reported the vessel had sunk, but it was later determined that the tanker remained afloat. Initially drifting between Malta and Italy, it is now drifting toward Libya.
Italy, France, and seven other EU countries have sent a letter to the European Commission calling for immediate action. They note that the Russian tanker poses a «double challenge»—ensuring maritime safety and preventing an environmental disaster.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has declared «maximum alert» and is demanding immediate preventive measures to prevent leaks. The organization’s statement states that the vessel can carry 900 tons of diesel fuel and over 60,000 tons of LNG. According to WWF, a potential leak could lead to forest fires, the formation of cryogenic clouds that are deadly to marine life, and large-scale and long-term pollution of water and the atmosphere.
