Russian Tanker Arctic Metagaz Towed to Libya After Attack Near Malta

The Arctic Metagaz, a Russian tanker that triggered alarm bells across Malta earlier this month, has begun its journey to Libya under tow, according to reports from Libya's National Oil Corporation (NOC) [1]. The operation, overseen by Libya's coast guard and maritime rescue coordination centre, aims to move the stricken vessel away from Maltese waters and into a safer zone near Zuwara, a coastal city close to the Tunisian border [1].

The tanker suffered a series of explosions in a suspected attack on 3 March while positioned roughly 50 nautical miles off Malta's coast [1]. Russia has blamed Ukraine for the strike, though Ukraine has not assumed responsibility. Speaking to Newsbook Malta, retired AFM colonel and military expert David Attard analysed photos and footage of the damaged vessel and concluded that the attack appeared to have been carried out using Ukrainian Magura V-type drones [1].

The incident had sparked genuine concern across the island about the potential environmental and maritime safety risks if the vessel had drifted towards Maltese shores [1]. However, as the Arctic Metagaz began naturally drifting away from Malta and towards Libya, the NOC decided to take matters into its own hands by towing the tanker to a safe port – a decision that has effectively averted what could have been a catastrophic situation for the island [1].

The operation represents a cooperative effort between Libya and the international maritime community to manage the crisis and protect vulnerable coastal areas from potential disaster [1].