Malta Seeks International Help Over Drifting Russian Tanker
· Updated
In brief
- Malta is seeking international support regarding a Russian gas tanker, the Arctic Metagaz, drifting near its waters.
- Prime Minister Robert Abela stated the vessel is moving through international waters and sometimes near Malta's search and rescue zone.
- Foreign Minister Ian Borg has asked the EU Council to work on keeping "risky ships" away from European shores, referring to the Russian "shadow fleet".
Malta is seeking international assistance to address the situation involving a Russian gas tanker, the Arctic Metagaz, which is drifting near its search and rescue zone. Prime Minister Robert Abela confirmed that Malta is looking for a "permanent solution" to the issue.
The vessel has been moving through international waters and has, at times, entered the area near Malta's search and rescue zone. The Prime Minister highlighted the need for international cooperation to manage such situations.
Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Ian Borg has requested the EU Council to take action to ensure that "risky vessels" are kept away from European shores. He specifically mentioned the Russian "shadow fleet", which includes vessels like the Arctic Metagaz.
Minister Borg's call to the EU Council came after a European Council meeting, where he emphasised the potential dangers posed by such ships. The Maltese government is actively engaging with international partners to find a resolution for the drifting tanker and to address broader concerns about maritime safety.
Earlier, Fil-Qosor reported on Malta seeking international help over a drifting Russian tanker. Since then, further developments have emerged regarding the Arctic Metagaz incident.
Foreign Minister Ian Borg has raised the issue at the European Union Council. During the meeting, he called for the EU to take action to prevent vessels belonging to Russia's "shadow fleet" from reaching EU waters.
The minister's appeal comes as the stricken tanker, the Arctic Metagaz, continues to drift near Malta's coastline, prompting concerns about maritime safety and environmental risks.
The Spin Room
Low media divide. The reporting focused factually on the Foreign Minister's actions at the EU Council.
Updates
- : Foreign Minister Ian Borg raised the issue of the Arctic Metagaz tanker at the EU Council, calling for action against Russia's "shadow fleet".
- : Adds sources from MaltaToday and Maltese Herald reinforcing the details of Ian Borg's address to the EU Foreign Affairs Council.