Libya Abandons ‘Arctic Metagaz’ Salvage At Edge of Malta SAR Zone

Libyan authorities have effectively halted efforts to secure the stricken LNG tanker Arctic Metagaz, towing the vessel far offshore and leaving it adrift near the edge of Malta’s search and rescue (SAR) zone, according to maritime tracking data, regional media, and OSINT reporting.

The vessel now sits roughly 105 nautical miles north-northeast of Misrata, close to the boundary of Malta’s SAR zone, after being towed past the Libyan port without stopping.

The Russian-linked tanker, disabled by explosions and fire on March 3, had been the focus of a Libyan-led towing operation aimed at preventing a potential environmental disaster and keeping the