Libyan Authorities Towing Damaged Russian Tanker to Prevent Environmental Crisis
Libyan authorities are towing a damaged Russian tanker towards a safe area to prevent an environmental crisis in the Mediterranean. The Arctic Metagaz, part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet transporting fossil fuels in violation of international sanctions over Moscow’s war on Ukraine, has been drifting for three weeks after being damaged in a suspected sea drone attack.
The Libyan coast guard said that the tanker, which carries liquefied natural gas, is being towed to a safe zone off the town of Zuwara on Libya’s western coast. A video posted by Libyan authorities shows a tugboat towing the slowly moving tanker with a thick rope. The tanker is seen tilting on one side, with a blackened hull from a fire.
International Sanctions and Environmental Risks
The Arctic Metagaz was hit and badly damaged by Ukrainian naval drones near Malta’s waters, according to Russian authorities. All 30 crew members were rescued. Ukraine has not commented on the incident. The tanker was carrying liquefied natural gas when it was attacked, and its damage poses significant environmental risks for one of the Mediterranean‘s most fragile and biodiversity-rich marine areas.
The National Oil Corp. in Libya said over the weekend that it is collaborating with Italian energy company Eni to safely bring the damaged tanker to the shore to avert an environmental crisis. The Libyan company has taken “all procedures…to reduce environmental risks and prevent any potential leakage or negative impacts.”
Conservation Group Warns of Environmental Risks
The World Wide Fund for Nature, a global conservation organization, warned on Monday that the tanker remains “highly unstable” and poses significant environmental risks to one of the Mediterranean‘s most fragile and biodiversity-rich marine areas. The group emphasized the need for caution in handling the damaged tanker to prevent any potential leakage or negative impacts.
Libyan Authorities Collaborate with International Partners
The Libyan Maritime Authority reported that the tanker experienced “sudden explosions, followed by a massive fire” while it was about 240 kilometers off the Libyan city of Sirte. The authority also mistakenly reported that the tanker had sunk. However, the Arctic Metagaz remained floating and was pushed by winds and currents towards the Libyan coast.
Libyan authorities are working closely with international partners to ensure the safe towing and disposal of the damaged tanker. The incident highlights the risks associated with the shadow fleet’s operations in violation of international sanctions.
Original Article: Libya tows drifting Russian ‘shadow fleet’ tanker to avert a Mediterranean spill — Abcnews