Weather Chaos Escalates Tension: Russian Tanker Adrift in Mediterranean
A damaged Russian tanker carrying liquefied natural gas has been drifting uncontrollably in the Mediterranean due to severe weather, after a failed towing operation off Libya's coast. This arises from a previous sea drone attack and raises concerns over potential environmental hazards and geopolitical tensions.
- Country:
- Egypt
A Russian tanker disabled in the Mediterranean is drifting out of control, Libyan authorities confirmed on Thursday. Severe weather disrupted a towing operation near Zuwara, Libya, after the vessel, Arctic Metagaz, sustained damage in a March sea drone attack.
The tanker, part of Russia's covert fleet transporting fossil fuels in defiance of global sanctions over its conflict with Ukraine, carries liquefied natural gas. Harsh conditions forced the vessel to drift uncontrolled despite efforts led by Libya’s coast guard.
Officials are urging caution, advising all ships to maintain a minimum 10-nautical-mile distance. Collaborating with Italian energy company Eni, Libya's National Oil Corp seeks to avoid an ecological disaster by safely rerouting the tanker to shore.
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