Towing efforts for the damaged Russian LNG carrier Arctic Metagaz are stalled due to severe weather, raising safety concerns over its LNG cargo.
A Libyan-led operation to tow the damaged Russian LNG carrier Arctic Metagaz has stalled due to severe weather, reported Denmark's Shipping Telegraph.
Authorities stated that attempts to tow the 2003-built vessel broke down on March 2 amid strong winds and high seas. A navigational warning advised ships to stay at least 10 nautical miles away and to report any sightings to the Libyan Search and Rescue Center.
The operation was halted again on April 2 when a deep low-pressure system brought wave heights of five meters and winds of 40 knots. Libya's National Oil Corporation indicated that the tanker's path is being monitored around the clock to ensure maritime safety.
The Arctic Metagaz was attacked in the Mediterranean on March 3 by unmanned boats and drones, according to Russia's transport ministry. The Ukrainian government has not commented on this claim. Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that the vessel lost propulsion and power, which caused a fire and gas explosion.
All 30 crew members were evacuated safely; however, two sustained burns and received medical treatment before being flown back to Russia. The incident left the tanker adrift with 100,000 cubic meters of LNG aboard, raising concerns over its fate as towing efforts remain stalled.
