Italian authorities are assessing how to manage a Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker drifting in the Mediterranean after what Moscow described as a Ukrainian drone attack, sources said Friday.
Russia’s Transport Ministry reported that the Arctic Metagaz, carrying LNG from the Arctic port of Murmansk, was targeted last week by Ukrainian naval drones launched from the Libyan coast. Kyiv has not claimed responsibility.
Libya’s maritime rescue agency initially reported the tanker had sunk, but the vessel remains afloat and is now drifting about 30 nautical miles off the Italian island of Linosa, between Italy and Malta, the Italian navy said.
Filippo Mannino, mayor of Lampedusa—which includes Linosa—said: “The situation is under control. The ship is in international waters, and the navy, a tugboat, and an environmental response vessel are escorting it.”
Damage and Safety Concerns
Two Italian sources indicated it is unclear how much LNG and fuel remain aboard. The 30 crew members were evacuated after the attack, reportedly south of Malta. Photos show a large hole on the port side, with the stern sitting lower than the rest of the vessel, though the hull remains intact. The drone strike reportedly hit above the waterline.
Italian officials are reluctant to allow the tanker to dock at an Italian port, describing it as a “ticking time bomb filled with gas.” The preferred solution is for the vessel’s manager, Russia-based LLC SMP Techmanagement, to hire a specialized company to tow the tanker to safety.
Monitoring and Maritime Warnings
Italy’s Civil Protection Agency confirmed the vessel is being monitored and is not heading toward Italian waters. Earlier this week, the tanker approached within 22 nautical miles of Malta but has since drifted further, reported at about 61 nautical miles offshore by Thursday.
Malta’s transport authority warned other ships to maintain at least five nautical miles of distance from the Arctic Metagaz. Prime Minister Robert Abela said the government is prepared to act if necessary, without providing further details.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Kyiv has repeatedly targeted Russian oil refineries and energy infrastructure in an effort to disrupt Moscow’s war funding.
Authorities in Italy and Malta continue to monitor the drifting tanker closely to prevent environmental or safety hazards in the busy Mediterranean shipping lanes.