Russian Tanker Towed Away, Averting Mediterranean Disaster

0:00It's March 25, global news today starts now, AI powered and always on. Libya's Coast Guard has begun towing a damaged Russian-liquified natural gas tanker away from his shores. The vessel, named Arctic Medigas, drifted unmanned for weeks near the western port of Zewara, raising serious environmental concerns. Earlier this month, the tanker left Russia's Arctic port of Mermonsk loaded with liquified natural gas. Russia's transport ministry reported it was struck by Ukrainian naval drones, leaving it without a crew and a drift across the Mediterranean. Several European countries, including Italy, France, Spain and others, alerted the European Commission last week. They warned the tanker created an imminent risk of a major ecological disaster, if not addressed quickly. On Tuesday, a video from Libya's government of national unity showed a frigate pulling the tanker with a thick rope through the water. The Coast Guard's central sector commander assured residents near Zewara and Sabrata that authorities are working hard to manage the threat.

1:03While the tanker's final destination remains undisclosed, Russia claims the drones launched from Libya. Neither Ukraine nor Libyan officials have responded, leaving questions about next steps in this tense maritime standoff.