Russian tug (and submarine?) halted between Sicily and Malta

An interesting situation has developed between Sicily and Malta, where the Russian tug Jakob Grebelsky (and the submarine Novorossky?) have been stationary for about 24 hours.

In the past few days, the pair had been sailing westward at a steady pace, covering more than 250 nautical miles per day, most likely on their way out of the Mediterranean. However, since yesterday the tug has remained stopped in the same position (known thanks to the weather messages it transmits via radio to the Russian Navy’s central command), with the submarine very likely alongside it.

Although the sea is somewhat rough, with waves around one meter high, conditions do not seem severe enough to force the two Russian units to halt. This suggests possible technical problems—or another cause behind the unexpected stop.

It cannot be ruled out that the tug has stopped to wait for the submarine, which may have made a “detour” towards the Ionian Sea or nearby areas.

Meanwhile, an Italian Air Force ATR P-72A (reg. MM62280), engaged in a routine surveillance mission this morning, performed an orbit over the area to monitor the situation.