Libya Confirms ‘Arctic Metagaz’ Salvage Has Failed and Vessel Out of Control at Sea Near Malta SAR Zone

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