Russian tanker adrift after attack poses threat of oil and gas leaks in Mediterranean, prompting international response.
A Russian oil and gas tanker named Arctic Metagaz is adrift in the Mediterranean Sea following an attack likely by drones, with its tracking system disabled and no crew onboard, according to the Russian Transport Ministry.
The vessel was last located east of Malta and sustained significant damage, including a large gash in its side and visible fires, with explosions reported and gas leaking from the ship, as stated by a Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman.
Environmental Risks
The tanker carries 450 tons of heavy fuel, 250 tons of diesel, and over 60,000 tons of gas, which could cause a devastating environmental disaster if it leaks, warned Natalia Gozak of Greenpeace in comments to DW.
Greenpeace highlighted that Russia's shadow fleet, consisting of old and poorly maintained ships evading sanctions, often leads to environmental damage through incidents like this one.
International Response
Leaders of Malta, Italy, Spain, Greece, and Cyprus urged the European Commission to activate EU civil protection mechanisms to address the threat, as outlined in a letter to President Ursula von der Leyen.
Libya's National Oil Corporation announced collaboration with Italian group Eni to tow the damaged tanker to a Libyan port, describing it as a complex operation to prevent pollution, while Italy's Civil Protection Department noted the challenges due to the vessel's large breach.
Alexander Lott, a research professor at the Norwegian Center for the Law of the Sea, pointed out potential implications under the law of war if Ukraine was involved, referencing past positions by the US and India on targeting such ships, though Kyiv has not commented.
Maritime security expert Ian Ralby told DW that attacks on tankers may increase, emphasizing the limitations of sanctions against Russia that have enabled the shadow fleet's operations.
