The Arctic Metagaz, a Russian gas carrier that has been drifting in the Mediterranean for two weeks, has recently entered the search and rescue zone of Libya. This situation complicates the potential response due to new jurisdiction issues and unfavorable sea conditions, as well as the political implications linked to the vessel, which is associated with what Brussels calls the 'Russian ghost fleet'. Italian civil protection authorities monitoring the ship have indicated that the most significant risk at this time is a potential gas leak, although no leaks have been detected so far.

The Arctic Metagaz lost control after an attack in early March, which Moscow attributes to Ukrainian naval drones, a claim that Ukraine has not confirmed. Following the evacuation of its crew, the vessel continued to drift, becoming a floating threat in the waters between Malta, Lampedusa, and the Libyan coast. Its presence has raised alarm in the region as it is not merely a component of the war against Russia but also poses environmental and security concerns that could affect Mediterranean countries and their maritime safety protocols.

As the ship's status remains precarious, the possibility of a gas leak and the ensuing environmental disaster are triggering urgent discussions on maritime protocols and international cooperation among the affected countries. The involvement of various nations highlights the complex geopolitical situation in the Mediterranean, with maritime safety becoming intertwined with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its wider implications for regional stability in North Africa and Southern Europe.