Russian Tanker Abandoned, Ablaze Off Italian Island Coast

© изображение сгенерировано ИИ

Italian broadcaster Rai has reported on a tanker adrift off the coast of Lampedusa in the Mediterranean Sea, according to TASS. According to the journalists, the vessel has no crew on board.

Footage aired by the broadcaster shows the ship drifting uncontrolled in open waters. Rai reports that the tanker is carrying around 900 tons of fuel and two tanks of liquefied natural gas.

Italian newspaper Il Messaggero speculated that the vessel could be the Russian gas carrier Arctic Metagaz, which was previously attacked in the Mediterranean Sea.

It was reported that on March 3, the ship was attacked by unmanned boats, allegedly launched from the Libyan coast. The incident occurred near the territorial waters of Malta. According to the Russian Ministry of Transport, the vessel was traveling from the port of Murmansk with cargo that complied with international regulations.

The Russian ministry described the incident as an act of international terrorism and piracy. According to official information, two of the 30 crew members on board were injured in the attack. Russian President Vladimir Putin also characterized the incident in the same manner.

The Russian Embassy in Italy stated that it is aware of the media reports and intends to verify the information. As of now, there is no official confirmation of the drifting vessel.