A rescue operation to tow the drifting Russian tanker Arctic Metagaz failed Wednesday, leaving the vessel unmoored about 120 nautical miles north of Benghazi, Libya. The Libyan Ports and Maritime Transport Authority said the towing cable snapped and could not be reattached, warning the tanker poses a "significant environmental and navigational threat."

The 900-foot vessel has been drifting since early March when the crew abandoned it after a drone attack southeast of Malta. It carries at least 700 tons of fuel and a substantial quantity of natural gas. Russia has blamed Ukraine for the attack, which left a gaping hole in the hull. This marked the first strike on a tanker carrying liquefied natural gas, hitting Russia harder than previous attacks because these vessels are more expensive than standard fuel tankers.

The Arctic Metagaz is part of Russia's shadow fleet operating in violation of European and American sanctions. Its name was changed last year after the US and other Western countries imposed restrictions. A senior Italian official previously called the situation "an environmental time bomb that threatens to cause serious damage throughout the Mediterranean." The failed salvage marks the second attempt this month.

The incident unfolds amid a wider maritime crisis. Following the US-Israeli attack on Iran in late February, retaliatory strikes choked traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, leaving hundreds of vessels stranded. Last week, the US imposed a global blockade on Iranian-linked vessels, raising legal questions about freedom of navigation.