Description
The Russian shadow fleet tanker destroyed in an apparent attack earlier this week remains afloat and is drifting closer to Malta, Times of Malta can confirm.
The abandoned gas tanker is now just 130 nautical miles from Malta’s coast, tracking data shows, raising questions over how the ship's debris and any potential oil spills will be handled.
Authorities were first notified of the ship in distress on Tuesday afternoon. At the time, the tanker was some 150 nautical miles off Malta’s coast, just outside Malta’s search and rescue zone.
Russia has since blamed the attack on Ukraine, describing it as a “terrorist attack”. Ukraine has yet to comment on the situation.
Despite suffering extensive damage, the ship currently remains afloat, with the tide now carrying the tanker closer to Malta.
Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri told parliament that the tanker was 140 nautical miles from Malta’s shore by early Wednesday afternoon.
