Libyan Coast Guard Towing Damaged Russian LNG Tanker Away From Shores
Libya’s coast guard has begun towing away a damaged liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker that posed an environmental risk after drifting unmanned for weeks in the Mediterranean Sea, the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU) said on March 25, 2026. The operation comes after warnings from several Mediterranean countries concerned about a potential ecological disaster.
Tanker Hit by Ukrainian Naval Drones
The Russian-flagged Arctic Metagaz, carrying LNG from the Arctic port of Murmansk, has been adrift since early March. Russia’s Transport Ministry reported that the vessel was hit by Ukrainian naval drones according to US News. With no crew on board, the tanker drifted towards the Libyan coast, eventually coming close to the shores of the western port of Zuwara.
Environmental Concerns and International Warnings
Italy, France, Spain, and six other southern EU members expressed serious concerns about the potential for a major ecological disaster, writing to the European Commission last week to highlight the “imminent and serious risk” posed by the drifting tanker as reported by Maghrebi.
Towing Operation and Libyan Response
A video released by the GNU’s Hakomitna media platform on Tuesday showed a frigate towing the tanker with a thick rope. Omar Mohamed Omar Al-Tuwair, commander of operations for the central sector of the coast guard and ports security, stated in the video that authorities are working to manage the situation and reassure the Libyan public, particularly in the western coastal areas of Zuwara and Sabratha according to TimesNG.
Destination Unknown
As of March 25, 2026, the authorities have not disclosed the final destination of the Arctic Metagaz. Russia’s transport ministry has stated that the drones used in the attack originated from Libya, but neither Ukraine nor Libya has officially commented on the incident as reported by Yahoo News.
Rival Libyan Authorities
The situation has as well triggered competition between rival Libyan authorities – the Government of National Unity (GNU) and the House of Representatives (HoR) – over who will manage the increasingly dangerous situation according to Maghrebi.
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