Russian LNG Tanker Adrift After Drone Attack

An Arctic Metagaz liquefied natural gas tanker, en route from Russia's Murmansk port, is presently adrift in the Mediterranean Sea after sustaining damage from a suspected Ukrainian drone attack. The attack, reportedly carried out by naval drones launched from the Libyan coast, occurred last week. While initially reported sunk, the vessel remains afloat and is being monitored by the Italian navy approximately 30 nautical miles off the Italian island of Linosa.

Significant damage is visible above the tanker's waterline, with photos showing a gaping hole. The exact amount of liquefied natural gas and fuel remaining aboard is unclear. The 30 crew members were safely evacuated following the incident, which sources indicate occurred south of Malta.

Italian authorities are considering all available options for the stranded vessel. Their preferred solution involves the tanker's manager arranging for a specialized company to tow it to safety. Italy has expressed a strong preference against the tanker docking at any of its ports, describing the situation as a potential "ticking time bomb." The vessel has been closely monitored and is not heading towards Italian waters.

Malta's transport authority has issued a warning to other ships to maintain a minimum distance of five nautical miles from the Arctic Metagaz. The Maltese government has stated its readiness to act if necessary. This incident occurs amidst ongoing Ukrainian efforts to target Russian energy infrastructure since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.