Tripoli, January 19, 2026 – The Ports and Maritime Transport Authority has issued a warning regarding a cargo vessel named “SIDER,” flying the Tanzanian flag, which lost control northeast of Al Khums after experiencing a technical malfunction last Saturday.
The Authority stated in a release that the vessel, with a gross tonnage of 2,941 tons, suffered a technical failure and went adrift on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at exactly 21:00 hours, after its crew had been rescued.
The Authority confirmed that the vessel has been abandoned. The latest position update indicates the ship is in the maritime area northeast of the city of Al Khums, approximately 45 nautical miles from the Libyan coast in the direction of Malta, at coordinates 09.000 34 NAN.
The Ports and Maritime Transport Authority has requested that ports and oil platforms exercise caution and maintain full readiness to deal with this vessel should it approach any ports or offshore platforms. It also called for coordination with the Authority to ensure maritime navigation safety and prevent any potential incidents.
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Tripoli
Tripoli is the capital and largest city of Libya, located on the country’s Mediterranean coast. Historically, it was founded by the Phoenicians in the 7th century BC and has since been ruled by the Romans, Arabs, Ottomans, and Italians, serving as a major port and cultural crossroads. Its historic center, the medina, features well-preserved architecture from these various periods.
Ports and Maritime Transport Authority
The Ports and Maritime Transport Authority is a governmental body responsible for regulating and overseeing maritime activities, port operations, and coastal management within a nation’s jurisdiction. Such authorities are typically established to ensure safety, security, and efficiency in maritime trade, with their history often rooted in the development of a country’s commercial shipping and naval infrastructure.
SIDER
SIDER is a historic iron and steel plant located in Elbasan, Albania, which was a major industrial center during the country’s communist era. It played a crucial role in the national economy from its establishment in the mid-20th century until its decline following the fall of communism in the early 1990s. Today, the site stands largely abandoned, serving as a monument to Albania’s industrial past.
Tanzanian flag
The Tanzanian flag was officially adopted on June 30, 1964, following the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. Its design incorporates elements from both predecessors: the green, black, and gold bands from Tanganyika’s flag and the blue triangle from Zanzibar’s flag, symbolizing the nation’s land, people, wealth, and the Indian Ocean.
Al Khums
Al Khums is a coastal city in northwestern Libya, historically significant as the site of the ancient Roman city of Leptis Magna. Leptis Magna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was a prominent city of the Roman Empire, with many well-preserved ruins including a theater, basilica, and arches. The modern city of Al Khums developed nearby and serves as a gateway to this major archaeological site.
Libyan coast
The Libyan coast stretches along the southern Mediterranean Sea and has been a historically significant region since antiquity, serving as a hub for Phoenician, Greek, Roman, and later Arab civilizations. Its major cities, like Tripoli and Benghazi, grew from ancient trading ports and were central to various empires’ control over Mediterranean commerce.
Malta
Malta is a small archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea with a rich history shaped by numerous civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Knights of St. John, French, and British. Its historical significance is evident in sites like the megalithic temples, which are among the world’s oldest free-standing structures, and the fortified capital of Valletta, built by the Knights in the 16th century. The country gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1964 and is now a republic known for its unique blend of cultural influences.
