The liquefied natural gas carrier Arctic Metagaz is “completely out of control at sea” in the Mediterranean after a towing attempt collapsed at around 0400 local time on April 2 due to severe weather, according to an urgent notice issued by Libya’s Ports and Maritime Transport Authority. 

Earlier AIS data had already suggested that tug boats were heading back to port, once again leaving Arctic Metagaz adrift. 

The failure of the towing operation raises fresh safety and environmental concerns in the central Mediterranean as Libya appeals for international assistance. The vessel suffered a massive explosion on March 3, reportedly as a result of a Ukrainian drone attack.

Libyan authorities described the situation as a “failure” of the towing operation amid winds of 40–50 knots and waves reaching up to five meters driven by a deep low-pressure system named Erminio.

“In light of the dangerous field developments related to the gas tanker Arctic Metagaz all ships, maritime units, and relevant authorities are hereby informed that the towing operation has failed,” the authority said in a statement on April 2.

The vessel’s last reported position was at latitude 33°50?N and longitude 16°43?E, placing it in waters not far from Malta’s search and rescue (SAR) region. Maritime authorities warned all ships to maintain a minimum distance of 10 nautical miles and to report any signs of leakage, including gas emissions or smoke.

“As a result, the vessel is now adrift and out of control, and the towing vessel is unable to return and re-establish the towing operation under these hazardous weather conditions,” the notice continued.

Notice by Libya’s Port & Maritime Transport Authority from April 2. (Source: LPMT)

Forecasted wind patterns over the coming days could push the stricken vessel further north, potentially into Malta’s SAR zone, possibly leading to a broader regional response.

Libya has been seeking international support to manage the escalating situation. Mohamed Salem Scewy, chairman of the Libyan Ports & Maritime Transport Authority, said authorities have formally approached both the International Maritime Organization and the European Union.

“This is not only a Libyan problem,” Scewy told TradeWinds. “This is a problem for the Mediterranean Sea countries.”

Despite outreach efforts, Scewy said cooperation has been limited. “We need help or co-operation to control this motor tanker and avoid any pollution,” he said, adding that EU counterparts have so far focused mainly on requesting the vessel’s location and imagery.

He also pushed back on earlier reports suggesting plans were in place to offload fuel, stating that no agreements have been reached with salvage companies and that Libya lacks ports capable of handling a vessel of this size.

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