Damaged Russian Tanker Drifts Toward Libya, EU Warns of Environmental Risk

A damaged Russian tanker drifting in the Mediterranean Sea has entered Libya’s rescue zone, raising fears of a possible environmental disaster. While no leaks have been detected, European leaders have urged the European Commission to act quickly due to the vessel’s hazardous cargo.

An uncrewed Russian tanker that has been drifting in the Mediterranean Sea for the past two weeks has now entered Libya’s search and rescue zone, positioning itself about 40 nautical miles (74 kilometres) from Libyan territorial waters. The vessel’s movement has raised growing concern among European authorities due to the potential environmental and safety risks it poses.
According to Italy’s Civil Protection agency, which has been closely monitoring the situation, the most immediate danger lies in the possible release of gas from the tanker. Officials emphasized, however, that no leaks have been detected so far. Speaking at a press briefing in Rome, Civil Protection spokesman Pierfrancesco Demilito explained that current southbound winds and sea currents are pushing the vessel toward Libyan shores. If these conditions remain unchanged, the tanker could reach land within four to six days.
Demilito disclosed that the tanker is believed to be carrying approximately 450 tonnes of heavy oil and 250 tonnes of diesel for fuel, along with an uncertain quantity of liquefied natural gas (LNG), some of which may already have been partially dispersed. This combination of fuel types significantly increases the risk of an environmental disaster should the vessel be compromised further.
Another concern raised by authorities is the possibility of the drifting tanker colliding with offshore oil infrastructure. However, Demilito noted that there are currently no oil platforms in the vessel’s immediate path, reducing the likelihood of such an incident for now.
Responsibility for any direct intervention now falls to Libyan authorities, as the tanker is within Libya’s designated rescue zone. Nevertheless, Italy has offered assistance if requested, signaling a willingness to support efforts to contain the situation and prevent escalation.
The tanker was severely damaged earlier this month in what is believed to have been a sea drone attack near waters off Malta. Russian officials have attributed the strike to Ukrainian naval drones, stating that the vessel was hit and left in a critical condition, leading to its current uncontrolled drift.
The situation has prompted broader concern at the European level. In a joint letter addressed to the European Commission, the leaders of Italy, Spain, Malta, Greece, and Cyprus warned that the tanker presents an “imminent and serious risk” of a major ecological disaster. They called for activation of the EU’s civil protection mechanism to enable a coordinated and rapid response.
The five countries stressed the urgency of mobilizing resources, highlighting the tanker’s damaged state and the hazardous nature of its cargo. Although all crew members survived the initial attack, the vessel remains adrift and continues to carry a potentially explosive mix of fuels.
Beyond the immediate threat, the leaders also pointed to wider risks associated with vessels operating outside established international safety standards. They warned that such incidents could undermine maritime safety and pose long-term environmental dangers across the Mediterranean region if not addressed through stronger coordination and oversight.