Crewless Russian Fuel Tanker Poses 'Ticking Time Bomb' Threat to Italy and Malta
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Crewless Russian Tanker: 'Ticking Time Bomb' Threatens Italy, Malta After Drone Attack
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News18•17-03-2026, 18:55
Crewless Russian Tanker: 'Ticking Time Bomb' Threatens Italy, Malta After Drone Attack
•A crewless Russian fuel tanker, Arctic Metagaz, is drifting between Italy and Malta after an alleged drone attack, raising fears of an environmental disaster.
•The vessel carries 900 metric tonnes of diesel fuel and over 60,000 metric tonnes of liquefied natural gas, with a visible gash and listing to one side.
•Russia's Foreign Ministry claims the ship was attacked by maritime and aerial drones in neutral waters on March 3, calling it an "act of terrorism."
•The 30 crew members were rescued, and Russia's transport ministry blames Ukrainian naval drones for the incident.
•Environmental groups like WWF warn of catastrophic consequences if the tanker sinks, including wildfires, lethal cryogenic clouds, and irreversible pollution in a biodiverse Mediterranean region.
