The Russian tanker Arctic Metagaz, carrying liquid natural gas is drifting uncontrolled in the Mediterranean near Malta, has raised concerns of a potential environmental disaster near Maltese waters.The vessel, was reportedly hit earlier this month in a suspected drone attack and is now unmanned, with a hole in its hull. According to BBC, the tanker is carrying significant quantities of LNG, along with fuel oil and diesel.Italian and Maltese authorities are monitoring the ship as it moves south towards Libya. Italian official Alfredo Mantovano described the risks as “enormous”, warning the tanker could “explode at any moment”.Nine EU countries have urged the European Commission to take action, with officials calling the vessel an “environmental bomb”.Environmental groups, including the World Wildlife Fund, have also raised alarms, warning a spill could cause long-lasting damage in an ecologically sensitive area.The tanker is part of a so-called “shadow fleet” used to transport sanctioned Russian energy.Photo: France24•