Russian Tanker’s Drift: A Tale of Two Towing Failures

In the heart of the Mediterranean, just a stone’s throw from Malta’s shores, a 200-metre long Russian tanker, the ‘Volgoneft 139’, is once again adrift. This isn’t a scene from a Hollywood thriller, but a real-life drama that’s been unfolding for weeks, with the latest twist happening just off our backyard.

From Libya to Malta: A Journey of Misfortune

The saga began in late January when the ‘Volgoneft 139’ set sail from Libya, laden with crude oil. A few days into its voyage, it encountered a storm that damaged its engines, leaving it dead in the water. The tanker, owned by Russia’s state-owned oil company, Rosneft, was then towed towards Malta for repairs.

However, fate had other plans. On February 15th, as the tow vessel ‘Bourbon Liberty 249’ was attempting to bring the ‘Volgoneft 139’ to Malta’s Grand Harbour, a severe storm struck. The tow line snapped, and the Russian tanker was once again left to the mercy of the Mediterranean’s waves.

Malta’s Role: A Port in a Storm?

Malta, with its strategic location and strong maritime history, has always been a safe haven for ships in distress. The ‘Volgoneft 139’, however, has proven to be a challenge. After the tow line snapped, the Maltese authorities, along with their Italian counterparts, worked tirelessly to find a solution.

On February 20th, a Libyan tugboat, the ‘Baraem’, arrived on the scene. With high hopes, the international effort to tow the Russian tanker back to Libya began. But as the old adage goes, ‘man plans, God laughs’. The ‘Baraem’ too failed to secure a tow, with the ‘Volgoneft 139’ breaking free once again.

What Now? The Future of the ‘Volgoneft 139’

The failure of the Libyan tow operation has left the ‘Volgoneft 139’ in a precarious position, just 100 nautical miles off Malta’s coast. The Maltese authorities, along with their international counterparts, are now exploring other options. These include sending a larger, more strong tugboat, or even towing the tanker to a nearby port for repairs.

Meanwhile, the ‘Volgoneft 139’ continues its drift, a floating testament to the unpredictable nature of the sea and the challenges of modern maritime operations. As Malta watches and waits, the fate of the Russian tanker remains uncertain, a story of misfortune that’s far from over.

In the meantime, the Maltese public has been advised to keep a safe distance from the tanker, with the Armed Forces of Malta monitoring the situation closely. The Environmental Protection Agency has also been keeping a watchful eye, ensuring that no oil spills occur.