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

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

Maritime Crisis in Southern Waters

Arctic Metagaz, a Russian gas tanker, has been adrift in the Mediterranean Sea for over a fortnight, raising alarms among coastal nations and environmental groups. The vessel, which belongs to a sanctioned “shadow fleet,” is now moving erratically, with its hull scorched from recent explosions. Moscow attributes the damage to an attack by Ukrainian maritime drones, though Kiev has yet to confirm or deny the claim.

Following the incident, aerial imagery revealed a massive rupture near the waterline, spanning several dozen meters. The scale of the destruction was so severe that Libyan officials prematurely classified the ship as a wreck on March 4. The 277-meter tanker lost control on March 3, forcing 30 crew members—predominantly Russian and Filipino nationals—to abandon their posts.

Environmental Risks and Fuel Leak Concerns

Despite being evacuated, the ship remains a volatile threat. Russian officials report ongoing sounds from the deck, gas emissions, and sporadic fires within the ship’s compartments. At the time of the crew’s departure, 450 tonnes of fuel oil, 250 tonnes of diesel, and substantial quantities of natural gas were still stored onboard, heightening the risk of a catastrophic explosion.

“Moscow controls the situation as the flag state,” said Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. “However, international norms place the responsibility for environmental protection on coastal nations.”

AFP footage captured the tanker approximately 50 nautical miles southwest of Malta, showing its stern and sides blackened by flames. Environmentalists have dubbed it a “floating time bomb,” warning that a leak or blast could devastate one of the Mediterranean’s most ecologically diverse regions. Experts stress that the compromised hull and internal processes make the situation unpredictable, with potential contamination risks extending for years.

European governments have also expressed apprehension. Italy, France, and seven other EU states have jointly urged the European Commission to address the “immediate and serious danger” posed by the drifting vessel. The ship’s location in international waters between Malta and the Italian islands of Lampedusa and Linosa complicates accountability, as rescue teams in Malta await possible intervention if the tanker nears territorial waters.