Malta is seeking international assistance to find a “permanent solution” to a damaged Russian gas tanker drifting near its search and rescue zone, according to Robert Abela.The vessel, the Arctic Metagaz, has been drifting in international waters and at times moving between the search and rescue zones of Malta, Italy and Libya as reported by Times of Malta.Speaking on Monday, Abela said surveillance updates placed the tanker around 54 nautical miles from Malta. While this position falls within Malta’s search and rescue area, it remains outside Maltese territorial waters.Authorities believe the vessel is carrying hundreds of tonnes of heavy fuel oil, raising concerns about potential environmental risks if the tanker were to suffer further damage.Malta Seeking International CoordinationThe Maltese government has begun contacting international partners to help address the situation.Foreign Affairs Minister Ian Borg is expected to raise the issue during a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council.Abela also confirmed that he has already informed António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen about the drifting tanker.Malta is also discussing the issue with the Med9, a group of nine Mediterranean and southern European countries working together on regional issues.According to Abela, the countries involved are “working collectively” to find a solution while Malta remains in constant contact with Italian authorities.Contingency Plans In PlaceAbela said Malta has already prepared a contingency plan in case the situation escalates.While he did not disclose specific details, he confirmed that the plan could involve tugboats that are not part of the Armed Forces of Malta fleet.Recent discussions with Russian authorities and representatives of the tanker’s parent company have so far failed to produce a permanent solution, the prime minister said.For now, indications suggest the contingency plan may not need to be activated, although this could change as the tanker continues drifting.Security And Environmental ConcernsThe 277-metre-long vessel is believed to have been damaged in an attack earlier this month, which Russia has blamed on Ukraine.In recent days, authorities feared the drifting tanker could be pushed towards Maltese waters, with strong winds previously moving it close to Gozo’s western coast.Experts have warned that the vessel could pose both security risks and environmental threats if fuel or bilge water were to leak.Fishers have already been advised to keep their distance from the vessel, while Alfred Vella, a chemist and rector of the University of Malta, has previously warned that the ship’s own fuel and bilge water could cause environmental harm if released.Meanwhile, Italian authorities held an emergency summit last Friday involving senior government officials to assess the situation. Both Malta and Italy are continuing to closely monitor the drifting tanker, though neither country has so far intervened directly.What do you make of this?•