Italy Issues Urgent Warning on Drifting Russian Tanker in Mediterranean

Wed Mar 18 2026 01:27:57 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A sanctioned Russian tanker, the Arctic Metagaz, loaded with liquid natural gas is adrift in the Mediterranean with significant environmental risks as Italian officials warn of a potential explosion.

Italy is on high alert as a Russian tanker, the Arctic Metagaz, drifts uncontrollably in the Mediterranean. The vessel, carrying liquid natural gas, presents a serious risk of ecological disaster. Italian authorities have described it as an 'environmental bomb' and warn that it could explode any moment due to its damaged condition. Actions are being urged at the EU level to address the situation, with international monitoring in place as the tanker drifts towards Libya.

Italy Issues Urgent Warning on Drifting Russian Tanker in Mediterranean

A sanctioned Russian tanker loaded with liquid natural gas, known as the Arctic Metagaz, is reportedly drifting out of control in the Mediterranean. The tanker has no crew onboard and features a significant breach in its hull, leading Italian officials to issue warnings about a potential 'serious risk of a major ecological disaster.'

An Italian official referred to the vessel as an 'environmental bomb,' emphasizing the urgent need for action. This tanker is part of a shadow fleet that is transporting sanctioned Russian oil and gas, and its condition has been critically compromised following a suspected sea drone attack earlier this month.

While Ukrainian authorities have not commented on the incident, the Ukrainian military has previously targeted Russian tankers that evade sanctions. Reports indicate the Arctic Metagaz is now drifting southward, away from Italian waters, with Italian and Maltese officials closely monitoring the situation.

Alfredo Mantovano, secretary of Italy's Council of Ministers, has stated that the risks posed by the Arctic Metagaz are 'enormous,' warning that it could 'explode at any moment.' The vessel is believed to be carrying substantial quantities of liquid natural gas, along with 450 tonnes of fuel oil and 250 tonnes of diesel, intensifying concerns over environmental contamination.

As of Tuesday, the tanker was positioned approximately 45 nautical miles from Italian territorial waters, forcing Italian authorities to act swiftly to prevent what could be a disastrous oil spill or explosion in the Mediterranean, which is home to numerous protected species and critical ecological zones.

This incident underscores the ongoing tensions in the region amidst the conflict in Ukraine, where Russian vessels are viewed as legitimate targets due to their involvement in funding military operations against Ukraine.

The World Wildlife Fund has raised an alarm regarding the potential ecological impact, highlighting the need for urgent measures to safeguard the delicate marine environment of the Mediterranean.