Arctic Metagaz: Russian Tanker Drifts, Poses Environmental Risk

0:00Local headlines in two minutes or less, you're tuned in to Adelaide News today. A Russian-liquified natural gas tanker called the Arctic Metagas is drifting in the Mediterranean between Malta and Italy. This vessel is part of Russia's shadow fleet, used to dodge European Union sanctions over the invasion of Ukraine. Officials worry its cargo could spark a big environmental mess if something goes wrong. The ship caught fire on March 3, and Russia blames Ukrainian naval drones, launched from Libya's coast. Libya's maritime agency said it sank the next day in waters near their coast and Malta, but now it's a drift again with no crew on board. Italy, France, and seven other European nations sent a letter to the European Commission. They call the situation a dual threat to safety and the environment right in the heart of EU waters. The tanker's poor shape and special cargo raised fears of a major ecological disaster. The vessel holds 700 metric tons of various fuels, plus a large amount of natural gas.

1:02European leaders say helping it out might weaken their sanctions regime, so they're pushing for quick coordinated action like surveillance and monitoring. Russia's foreign ministry says they're talking to the owner and other groups. Their role as the flagstape will depend on the details, but they stress coastal countries must step up to avoid disaster. Leave has been commented on the alleged attack, DNN is sponsored by our partner. If earbuds fall out when you sleep, this is for you, a pillow with built-in sound, so L.I. SoleyPillo.com