An Italian official has warned of a potential environmental disaster as a damaged Russian liquefied natural gas tanker drifts in the Mediterranean Sea, raising concerns for Libya and neighbouring states.
The vessel, identified as Arctic Metagas, has been floating without a crew in international waters between Malta and the Italian islands of Lampedusa and Linosa. According to Italian civil protection authorities, the tanker could reach waters near Libya within four to six days, depending on wind and sea currents.
Pierfrancesco Demilito, spokesperson for Italy’s civil protection agency, said the vessel is currently located within Libya’s search and rescue zone, approximately 53 nautical miles north of Tripoli. He warned that any incident involving the tanker could have serious environmental consequences for the Libyan coastline.
The tanker was reportedly damaged earlier this month, with Russian sources suggesting it was targeted by Ukrainian sea drones, although no official confirmation has been provided by Kyiv. Since then, the vessel has remained adrift without a crew.
European concern has intensified, with Italy, France, Spain and several other southern European countries urging the European Commission to take action. In a joint message, they described the tanker as posing an “imminent and serious risk” of a major environmental disaster.
Authorities estimate that the vessel is carrying around 450 tonnes of heavy fuel oil and 250 tonnes of diesel, in addition to an uncertain quantity of liquefied natural gas. Officials fear that part of the gas may have already leaked.
Although the tanker is not believed to be at immediate risk of sinking, concerns remain over the possibility of it running aground or colliding with offshore infrastructure.
Demilito noted that responsibility for any intervention would fall to Libya, given the tanker’s location within its maritime zone. However, Italy has indicated its readiness to assist if requested, while coastguard and naval units continue to monitor the situation closely.
