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Norwegian Shipping Company Responds to Accusations of Failing to Aid Sinking Russian Ship
Accusations of Neglect in Maritime Rescue
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, accused the Norwegian-flagged Oslo Carrier 3 of failing to assist sailors from the sinking Russian cargo ship, Ursa Major. He characterized the alleged inaction as a violation of maritime laws and reflective of broader anti-Russian sentiment in Europe.
Response from the Norwegian Shipping Company
Bulkship Management AS, the operator of Oslo Carrier 3, refuted Medvedev’s claims.
- The company stated they were instructed by Spain’s Maritime Rescue Coordinating Center (MRCC) not to take the sailors aboard, as a rescue boat was en route.
- They confirmed the lifeboat was secured alongside their vessel until Spanish rescuers arrived.
- Photographs were released showing the lifeboat beside the Norwegian ship in calm waters and later being towed away by a Spanish rescue vessel.
Details of the Ursa Major Incident
- The Ursa Major, linked to Russia’s Defense Ministry’s construction arm, sank in the Mediterranean Sea between Spain and Algeria after three explosions breached its hull.
- Fourteen out of sixteen crew members evacuated to a lifeboat.
- Spain’s maritime rescue services dispatched vessels and a helicopter in response to the distress signal.
Broader Geopolitical Context
Medvedev connected the incident to what he described as escalating European hostility toward Russia.
- He warned of possible retaliatory measures against Europe, citing this and other recent maritime incidents as provocations.
- Separately, Finnish authorities seized a Russian oil ship in the Baltic Sea, suspecting it caused damage to an undersea power cable and internet lines.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
The situation raises questions about compliance with international maritime law:
- Medvedev’s criticism centers on the duty to assist vessels in distress, a fundamental maritime obligation.
- Bulkship Management’s assertion that they followed MRCC instructions could exempt them from liability.
This incident illustrates the intersection of maritime operations and geopolitical tensions, with actions and interpretations influenced by the broader state of international relations.