ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Italian government has assured Malta of its full cooperation in monitoring a Russian-flagged vessel that has been drifting unattended in the Mediterranean Sea for several days.
The situation was discussed during a high-level meeting at Palazzo Chigi chaired by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, Environment and Energy Security Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, and Minister for Civil Protection and Sea Policies Nello Musumeci. Also present were Undersecretary to the Presidency of the Council Alfredo Mantovano and the head of Italy’s Civil Protection Department, Fabio Ciciliano.
At the centre of the discussions was the LNG vessel Arctic Metagaz, which is reportedly carrying large quantities of gas, heavy fuel oil and diesel. The ship, flying the Russian flag, has been adrift without a crew in the Mediterranean in recent days.
Italian authorities noted that the vessel is currently located within Malta’s Search and Rescue (SAR) zone. Maltese authorities have established a minimum safety distance of five nautical miles around the ship as a precautionary measure.
The Italian government said it has been sharing monitoring information with the government of Malta since the situation first emerged. Italy also reiterated its readiness to provide operational support if required, pending decisions by the Maltese authorities, with whom it remains in constant contact.
-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).
