Russian gas tanker drifting in the Mediterranean may explode, threatening environmental disaster

Russian Gas Tanker Drifting in the Mediterranean May Explode, Threatening Environmental Disaster

A Russian gas tanker, the Arctic Metagaz, has been adrift without control in the Mediterranean Sea for over a fortnight, raising increasing concern among coastal nations and environmental groups. The vessel, part of an authorised shadow fleet, is reported to have sustained damage from a sequence of explosions, with Moscow attributing the incident to Ukrainian maritime drones. Despite this claim, Kiev has not yet made any statements regarding the attack.

Aerial images captured following the incident reveal a massive rupture, spanning dozens of meters, near the waterline. The destruction was severe enough that Libyan authorities initially classified the ship as a wreck on 4 March. The 277-meter tanker, now charred along its hull, lost control on 3 March, forcing 30 crew members—predominantly Russian and Filipino nationals—to abandon it.

As of Sunday, AFP footage showed the vessel approximately 50 nautical miles southwest of Malta, with its stern and sides visibly scorched from the fire. Environmentalists have branded the Arctic Metagaz a “floating time bomb,” warning that a spill or explosion could harm one of the Mediterranean’s most ecologically diverse regions. Experts highlight the unpredictable nature of the situation due to the damaged hull and ongoing internal processes.

“Moscow maintains control of the situation as the flag state, but insists international norms place responsibility for preventing environmental harm on coastal nations,” stated Maria Zakharova, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman.

European governments are also voicing apprehension, with Italy, France, and seven additional EU states jointly urging the European Commission about an “immediate and serious danger” to the region. The tanker currently drifts between Malta and the Italian islands of Lampedusa and Linosa, remaining in international waters and complicating efforts to determine who should lead the response.

Meanwhile, rescue teams are stationed in Malta, prepared to act if the ship approaches the country’s territorial waters. However, the question of which entity should take decisive action remains a topic of diplomatic debate. The risk of a major environmental incident persists as the Arctic Metagaz continues its uncontrolled journey across the Mediterranean.