Tripoli, April 24 (QNA) - The Libyan Ports and Maritime Transport Authority issued an urgent navigational circular warning that a damaged Russian tanker was roaming freely in the Mediterranean Sea north of the city of Benghazi, after the towing line snapped during an operation to pull it.

On March 4, the Russian gas tanker was struck by explosions in the Mediterranean off the coast of Benghazi.

The authority said the tanker became detached from the tugboat due to a technical malfunction, causing it to drift freely, and that efforts to reconnect it have been unsuccessful so far.

The Libyan Ports and Maritime Transport Authority called on all vessels and maritime units operating in the area to exercise the utmost caution and maintain a safety distance of no less than five nautical miles from the tanker’s location.

It also stressed the need to immediately report through approved maritime communication channels any developments related to the tanker’s condition, including any leaks, emissions, or changes in its status. (QNA)