Libyan authorities have indicated that the Russian LNG carrier is being towed to the country’s west coast. This vessel, belonging to the Russian Federation’s « ghost fleet, » was damaged following a suspected maritime drone attack and posed an environmental threat.
Libyan authorities have released video and photos showing a tow cable attached to the damaged Russian LNG carrier Arctic Metagaz, which has been adrift in the Mediterranean for three weeks following an alleged attack by a maritime drone.
This ship is part of the Russian « ghost fleet , » which is transporting fossil fuels in violation of international sanctions imposed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Libyan coast guard indicated that the LNG carrier, transporting liquefied natural gas, is being towed to a safe area near the city of Zuwara, on Libya’s west coast.
The Libyan National Oil Company said this weekend that it was cooperating with the Italian energy company Eni to bring the ship safely back to port to avoid an environmental disaster.
The drifting LNG carrier Arctic Metagaz – Sea Watch – AP
Adrift since March 3
On March 3, 2026, the 277-meter vessel, carrying approximately 60,000 tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and hundreds of tons of fuel, was rocked by massive explosions while off the coast of Libya in Maltese waters. All 30 crew members were safely evacuated to Malta shortly after the explosion.
Since then, it has drifted between rescue zones in Malta, Italy near Lampedusa, and Libya, pushed by the currents.
The environmental organization, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), had warned of » serious environmental risks for one of the most vulnerable and biodiverse marine areas in the Mediterranean Sea . »
This ongoing towing operation is therefore a relief.
source : Euro News
