Libya: The Libyan Ports and Maritime Transport Authority has issued an urgent navigational circular alerting maritime traffic about a damaged Russian tanker drifting freely in the Mediterranean Sea north of Benghazi. This warning comes after the towing line snapped during an attempt to secure the vessel.

According to Qatar News Agency, the Russian gas tanker encountered explosions on March 4 while positioned off the coast of Benghazi. The subsequent technical malfunction led to the tanker detaching from its tugboat, resulting in its current free-floating state. Efforts to re-establish control over the tanker have been unsuccessful thus far, heightening the potential danger it poses to nearby maritime operations.

The Libyan authority has urged all vessels and maritime units operating in the vicinity to exercise extreme caution and maintain a safety distance of at least five nautical miles from the tanker's location. Additionally, it emphasized the importance of reporting any developments related to the tanker's condition, including any signs of leaks, emissions, or changes in its status, through approved maritime communication channels.