Watch: Libya Tows Damaged Russian Tanker After Nearly 3 Weeks Adrift in Mediterranean Following Drone Strike

Libyan authorities are towing a damaged Russian tanker that had been drifting in the Mediterranean Sea for nearly three weeks after a suspected drone attack, officials said Tuesday.

The vessel, Arctic Metagaz, is being moved to a safer area off the coast of Zuwara to avoid any possible environmental damage.

The tanker is part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, which is used to transport fossil fuels despite international sanctions linked to the war in Ukraine. It was carrying liquefied natural gas at the time of the incident.

Destroyed gas tanker “Arctic Metagaz” towed to Misrata #Libya pic.twitter.com/PCk2djh5vy

— C4H10FO2P (@markito0171) March 24, 2026

According to Libya’s coast guard, the vessel is being towed slowly by a tugboat using a heavy rope. Video shared by authorities shows the tanker leaning to one side, with parts of its hull blackened by fire damage.

The incident began earlier this month when the tanker was hit by what Russian officials described as Ukrainian naval drones near Malta waters.

The attack caused serious damage to the ship. All 30 crew members on board were rescued safely. Ukraine has not commented on the claim.

حصري لـ 17PRESS: فرقة الاقتحام التابعة لوزارة الدفاع تسحب الناقلة الروسية إلى منطقة آمنة قرب سواحل زوارة.#ليبيا #17PRESS pic.twitter.com/eyBVy4yBZN

— 17 PRESS (@17Pressly) March 24, 2026

Libya’s Maritime Authority earlier said the tanker experienced sudden explosions followed by a large fire when it was about 240 kilometers (150 miles) off the coast of Sirte. At that time, the authority mistakenly reported that the vessel had sunk.

In reality, the tanker remained afloat and continued drifting, pushed by winds and sea currents toward the Libyan coast.

Libya’s National Oil Corporation said it is working with Italian energy company Eni to safely handle the situation. The company said it has taken all necessary steps to reduce environmental risks and prevent any leakage or negative impact.

The World Wide Fund for Nature said the tanker is still unstable and warned that it could pose serious environmental risks. The group noted that the area is one of the Mediterranean’s more sensitive and biodiversity-rich marine zones.

References: Abcnews, arabnews