VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Maltese and Italian authorities are keeping a close eye on the tanker Arctic Metagaz as it drifts in waters between Malta and Lampedusa.
The vessel is currently about 35 nautical miles west of Malta, with authorities assessing contingency plans should it drift into territorial waters.
Officials say the situation is being closely monitored while discussions continue on possible responses if the tanker approaches the Maltese coast.
Transport Malta issued a notice to mariners instructing vessels to remain at least five nautical miles away from the tanker at all times.
The authority said the ship is classified as “Not Under Command,” although it is not displaying the required NUC signals either during the day or at night.
Mariners navigating in the area have been urged to maintain an extra lookout, while navigation close to the vessel has been strictly prohibited.
Surveillance of the tanker is not limited to Malta. An aircraft from the Italian Coast Guard was surveying the vessel on Wednesday afternoon.
The Arctic Metagaz was damaged last week following an explosion near the edge of Malta’s search and rescue zone, close to Libyan waters.
The tanker was reportedly carrying liquefied natural gas when the incident occurred.
Russia accused Ukraine of carrying out an attack on the vessel, though no country has claimed responsibility so far.
The Arctic Metagaz has been sanctioned as part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet operating outside Western restrictions.
The network of vessels is believed to use complex ownership and insurance arrangements beyond the jurisdiction of the European Union and Group of Seven countries.
Such ships have been used to continue trading Russian oil and energy products with states that have not joined sanctions imposed after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Authorities in the central Mediterranean continue to monitor the drifting tanker as a precaution.
-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).
