Drifting Disaster: Unmanned Russian LNG Tanker Threatens Mediterranean

A Russian LNG tanker, the Arctic Metagaz, has been drifting in the Mediterranean for over two weeks, posing a major ecological threat. Unmanned after a drone attack, the tanker risks running aground near Libya. EU nations have alerted the European Commission of the potential disaster.

An unmanned Russian LNG tanker, the Arctic Metagaz, has been adrift in the Mediterranean Sea for more than two weeks, raising concerns about a potential ecological disaster. The tanker is perilously positioned, just four to six days from the Libyan coast, according to an Italian official.

The vessel was hit by Ukrainian naval drones, although Kyiv has not claimed involvement. Currently, it lies 53 nautical miles north of Tripoli in international waters under Libya's search and rescue jurisdiction, Pierfrancesco Demilito from Italy's Civil Protection agency reported.

The European Union, alert to the looming risk, has been warned by Italy, France, Spain, and other southern EU countries. The tanker carries substantial amounts of fuel and some possibly dispersed LNG. With the potential for grave environmental damage, intervention is critical, though action remains Libyan-led.

(With inputs from agencies.)