Libyan authorities have issued an urgent maritime warning and raised the level of alert after detecting a drifting Russian gas tanker moving toward Libyan waters, sparking concerns over a potential safety and environmental threat.
The Libyan Ports and Maritime Transport Authority confirmed that the vessel, identified as “ARCTIC METAGAZ,” is a liquefied natural gas carrier with a capacity of approximately 62,000 metric tons. Monitoring data revealed that the tanker is completely abandoned, with no crew on board, and is suffering from a severe structural tilt and total loss of navigational control.
According to the authority, the vessel is currently drifting southwest under the influence of wind and sea currents at a speed of around one knot, increasing the likelihood of it approaching Libyan territorial waters and offshore installations.
In coordination with international partners, including Italian authorities and maritime rescue services, Libya has identified the tanker’s last known position at coordinates 34°49.0 N and 13°21.0 E. A navigation alert has been issued to all vessels operating within the area between latitudes 34°00 and 35°30 north, urging extreme caution.
The warning strictly prohibits any vessel from approaching the tanker within a distance of less than six nautical miles. Authorities stressed that the abandoned vessel poses serious risks, including the possibility of sudden explosion, gas leakage, or structural collapse due to its unstable condition.
As part of precautionary measures, the National Oil Corporation has been instructed to place offshore platforms, particularly in the Bouri and Al-Jurf fields, on high alert. Operators have been advised to prepare emergency towing units in case the tanker drifts within 10 nautical miles of critical infrastructure.
Officials emphasized that the situation requires continuous monitoring, given the potential risks to maritime navigation, energy facilities, and the surrounding marine environment. Libyan authorities are working closely with regional and international partners to track the vessel’s movement and assess possible response scenarios.
All ships in the area have been urged to report immediately any changes in the tanker’s condition, including smoke, leakage, or structural deterioration, to ensure rapid intervention and prevent a possible disaster.
