The Russian tanker "Arctic Metagaz", which transports liquefied natural gas, is sailing in the Mediterranean.

According to France24, the 277-meter-long ship is heading towards Malta, being carried by sea currents and is located near the Italian island of Linosa.

The tanker was severely damaged on March 4 after an explosion off the coast of Libya. Russia accused Ukraine of a drone attack on the ship.

Italian and Maltese authorities are monitoring the course of the damaged ship, as it could pose a threat to other ships and the environment.

The ship "Arctic Metagaz", which carries 62,000 tons of LNG, was sanctioned by the United States and the European Union as part of Moscow's 'shadow fleet'.

 

 

A damaged Russian LNG tanker is drifting in the Mediterranean Sea

The damaged tanker Arctic Metagaz, which was carrying liquefied gas, is drifting in the Mediterranean and may approach Malta. The 277-meter vessel is currently near the Italian island of Linosa and is moving... pic.twitter.com/IIh4PVb9CN

- Visegrad 24 (@ visegrad24) March 16, 2026