By Enyichukwu Enemanna
A Russian tanker abandoned in the Mediterranean Sea will be towed to a Libyan port, Libyan authorities have announced.
The damaged Arctic Metagaz is part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” shipping fossil fuels in violation of international sanctions over the Moscow’s war against Kyiv.
The tanker was carrying liquefied natural gas to Egypt when it was hit by a series of explosions earlier this month. All 30 crew members were rescued.
Video footage shows the ship listing to one side, blackened by fire, with two holes on either side of the hull.
Russia has blamed Ukrainian naval drones for the attack, an allegation Kyiv is yet to comment on.
After nearly three weeks adrift, the tanker entered Libya’s search and rescue zone.
Italian authorities are now working with Libya to bring the wrecked vessel to shore and reduce the risk of pollution.
In a joint letter sent to the European Commission, the leaders of Italy, Spain, Malta, Greece and Cyprus warned that the vessel poses an “imminent and serious risk” of a major ecological disaster, and requested to activate the bloc’s civil protection mechanism.
The five leaders urged a coordinated EU-led response to mobilise resources quickly, citing the tanker’s damaged condition and hazardous cargo as key concerns.
The letter also highlighted broader risks posed by vessels operating outside international standards, warning of threats to maritime safety and the environment across the Mediterranean.
