Libya confirms failed 'Arctic Metagaz' salvage; vessel out of control near Malta

On 2026-04-02, Libya's Port & Maritime Transport Authority said salvage operations for the vessel 'Arctic Metagaz' had failed and the ship was adrift and out of control near Malta's search-and-rescue zone. Authorities warned vessels to keep at least 10 nautical miles away and to report any leakage, gas emissions, or smoke. The incident created a maritime safety and navigation disruption in the central Mediterranean.