Government urged to be transparent on preparedness for ecological disaster
The drifting wreckage of a Russian tanker poses a serious threat to Malta
Momentum has called for government transparency on Malta's maritime security and ecological preparedness, in the context of the explosion on a Russian LNG tanker which was abandoned and has been drifting near Malta.
The Arctic Metagaz is reportedly carrying 61,000 tonnes of LNG and 700 tonnes of diesel fuel.
The party said the vessel’s current trajectory threatens the fragile ecosystems of the western shores of Gozo.
This alarming event, it said, followed the incident last May when a drone of unknown origin struck a Freedom Flotilla Coalition ship just outside Maltese territorial waters.
"These events cast a long, dark shadow over our ecological, food and maritime security," it said.
"A maritime zone actively targeted by drones directly jeopardises this vital supply chain. Furthermore, this volatile situation poses an unacceptable threat to the livelihood of Maltese fishermen, who rely on safe, stable seas to earn their living.
"The ecological implications are equally disastrous. Malta ranks among the top ten countries globally for water scarcity, depending almost entirely on desalination plants for drinking water. Any pollution of the surrounding sea resulting from a maritime attack or sunken vessel would mean our taps run dry. It would be a national disaster of unprecedented proportions."
Mark Camilleri Gambin, the party's general secretary, urged the prime minister to be transparent with the public about Malta’s actual state of preparedness.
"Does Malta possess the capability to prevent an ecological disaster on its own?," he asked.