The Libyan Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center, affiliated with the Coast Guard and Port Security Agency, announced the activation of emergency response procedures to address the situation involving the damaged Russian gas tanker Arctic Metagaz off the Libyan coast, in accordance with internationally recognized standards for maritime search and rescue.

Patrols are monitoring the tanker’s movements after it lost control, while also working to divert ships away from its path and ensure maritime safety by organizing and securing the navigation route in the vicinity of the incident, according to a statement published on the Facebook page of the Ministry of Defense for the Government of National Unity on Saturday.

Coordination with Competent Authorities

The center confirmed coordination with the relevant national authorities to ensure comprehensive management of the situation and to closely monitor developments regarding the tanker’s status, in anticipation of any potential risks, especially given its proximity to vital areas.

He noted that efforts to address this incident are continuing in accordance with Libya’s international obligations, ensuring the safety of lives at sea, protecting the marine environment, and securing maritime traffic.

The Russian tanker

The ship, which was carrying liquefied natural gas, sustained damage in early March in an attack suspected to have been carried out by a drone near Maltese waters. Moscow claims the ship was targeted by drones belonging to the Ukrainian Navy, while Kiev has not yet commented on these allegations.

Yesterday, the National Oil Corporation announced that in cooperation with its strategic partner Eni, it had contracted a global company specializing in handling incidents involving tankers and offshore platforms to manage the tanker and mitigate the risk of marine pollution.