The crewless Russian liquefied natural gas tanker Arctic Metagaz has drifted into Libyan search-and-rescue waters, Italian authorities reported on Wednesday. The vessel, part of Russia's shadow fleet used to evade Western sanctions, poses ongoing risks of explosion and environmental disaster in the central Mediterranean.

The Arctic Metagaz was damaged on March 3 during what Russia described as an attack by Ukrainian naval drones launched from the Libyan coast. A fire broke out, creating a massive gash on the port side and causing the ship to list. The 30 crew members abandoned the vessel and were rescued by the Libyan Coast Guard, leaving it without power or steering control. Although Russian and Libyan officials initially reported it had sunk the following day, the tanker has remained afloat and uncontrolled for two weeks, drifting from waters between Libya and Malta toward Italian islands including Linosa and Lampedusa before turning south.

The ship carries over 60,000 metric tons of LNG from Russia's Arctic port of Murmansk, along with approximately 700 to 900 metric tons of fuel oil and diesel. Italian Secretary of the Council of Ministers Alfredo Mantovano warned that the risks are "enormous" and the vessel could "explode at any moment." No gas leaks have been detected so far, but officials highlighted the potential for gas dispersion as a major concern.

Italy's civil protection agency is monitoring the tanker's position amid rough sea conditions that complicate intervention. Maritime authorities in Italy and Malta have issued warnings for vessels to maintain a five-nautical-mile distance. Responsibility now falls to Libyan authorities due to the location. The World Wildlife Fund stated it is on "maximum alert," noting that a spill could ignite fires and cause long-lasting pollution in an ecologically sensitive area home to protected species.

Nine EU nations, including Italy, France, and Spain, sent a letter to the European Commission on March 16 describing the situation as an "imminent and serious risk of a major ecological disaster" stemming from the tanker's condition and hazardous cargo. The EU identified the Arctic Metagaz as part of Russia's shadow fleet, which transports sanctioned energy resources to fund the war in Ukraine.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin blamed Ukraine for a "terrorist attack" on the tanker, while the Foreign Ministry noted it is coordinating with the owner. Ukraine has not commented on the incident. As the vessel continues to drift, regional states remain vigilant against potential catastrophe.