AP: Libya is towing a drifting Russian "shadow fleet" oil tanker to prevent a spill in the Mediterranean
Libyan authorities are towing the LNG-carrying vessel Arctic Metagaz, which has been adrift in the Mediterranean for three weeks following a suspected attack by a maritime drone.
The vessel is being towed toward safe waters near Zuwara; video footage shows the ship listing and displaying burn marks along its hull.
The Libyan National Oil Company (NOC) is working with Italy's Eni Group to safely berth the vessel, aiming to avoid an ecological disaster, and has announced measures taken to reduce risks.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) warned that the tanker's condition is extremely unstable, posing a serious threat to the Mediterranean—a region renowned for its rich biodiversity and environmental fragility.
Russian sources claim the Arctic Metagaz was attacked by a Ukrainian maritime drone near Malta, with all 30 crew members rescued. Ukraine has not commented.
Previously, Libya's maritime authorities reported an explosion and fire 240 kilometers west of Sirte, initially announcing the vessel had sunk—after which it continued drifting toward Libya’s coast.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1860627525190656/
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