Italy: Damaged Russian tanker days away from Libyan shores

EU states warn of major ecological threat

Italy, France, Spain and six other southern EU members wrote last week to the European Commission warning that the Arctic Metagaz poses, "an imminent and serious risk of a major ecological disaster."

Demilito said the vessel is estimated to be carrying 450 tonnes of heavy oil and 250 tons of diesel as fuel supplies, and an "uncertain" quantity of LNG, which may have partly regasified and dispersed.

While it has a "large gash on its side" it does not appear to be at imminent risk of sinking, but the concern is that it may run aground or crash into an offshore oil platform, although none are currently nearby, the spokesman said.

Any intervention on the tanker would fall to Libya, since the vessel is in its search and rescue waters, but Italy would be ready to help if asked, Demilito added, indicating that coast guard and navy units were also monitoring the situation.

There have been no direct contacts with Libyan authorities so far, he said.

(Reporting by Alvise Armellini, Editing by Louise Heavens)