August M
A damaged Russian gas tanker is now drifting uncontrollably in the Mediterranean after rescue efforts failed, raising fears of a potential environmental crisis. Authorities say worsening weather has left the vessel stranded and unpredictable.
The incident comes weeks after explosions forced the crew to abandon ship.
Failed rescue bid
According to The Moscow Times, Libyan authorities confirmed that attempts to tow the Russian tanker Arctic Metagaz had to be suspended due to severe weather.
Officials said conditions made the operation impossible, citing “difficult weather conditions.”
“Wind gusts reaching up to 40 or 50 knots and waves five meters high” prevented the operation, the Libyan maritime authority said.
Out of control
The vessel, now adrift between Libya and Malta, has been declared “out of control” by authorities.
Warnings have been issued to nearby ships and maritime agencies to keep their distance and report any signs of fire or smoke.
The tanker was abandoned after a series of explosions on March 3 while transporting liquefied natural gas from Russia to Egypt.
Explosion mystery
Russia has accused Ukraine of being behind the blasts, though Kyiv has not responded to the allegation, The Moscow Times reports.
At the time of the incident, the ship was still carrying around 700 tons of fuel along with what officials described as “a significant amount of natural gas.”
All crew members were safely evacuated following the explosions.
Environmental fears
Libya’s National Oil Corporation had planned to work with Italian energy company Eni to secure the vessel.
However, concerns over pollution risks led authorities to consider moving the tanker away from Libya’s coastline instead.
With the ship still drifting and no immediate recovery in sight, fears are growing over possible environmental damage if the situation worsens.
Sources: The Moscow Times
