VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Russian oil tanker Arctic Metagaz, which Moscow claims was damaged in recent days by Ukrainian marine drones, is still drifting in the Mediterranean and is moving ever closer to Malta, according to tracking data reported by Maltese media. The vessel, carrying LNG, was yesterday afternoon approximately 130 nautical miles off the coast of Malta. Authorities were first alerted Tuesday afternoon, when the vessel was reported in distress approximately 150 nautical miles offshore, just outside Malta’s search and rescue zone. Despite the severe damage, the tanker, believed to be part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” has not sunk and is being dragged westward by sea currents.
Weather forecasts indicate that winds in the coming days could push the vessel even closer to Maltese territorial waters. Local authorities are currently unable to intervene because the Russian vessel is in international waters. However, the situation could change if it were to enter Malta’s territorial waters. Russia attributed the explosion to Ukraine, calling it a “terrorist attack,” while Kiev has not responded to the accusation. Meanwhile, the 30 crew members were rescued and transferred to the Russian tanker Respect, which eventually reached Libya.
– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
