The Norwegian-flagged vessel Oslo Carrier 3 declined to take aboard Russian sailors from the sinking cargo ship Ursa Major, according to Oboronlogistika, the Russian Defense Ministry-owned company operating the ship.
As the lifeboat carrying the Russian crew approached, the Oslo Carrier 3, staffed with some Russian-speaking crew members, allegedly refused assistance. “They cited some kind of prohibition,” Oboronlogistika told RIA Novosti.
Ultimately, the stranded sailors were saved by Spanish crew members aboard the Salvamar Drago.
The Ursa Major sank on December 23 in international waters between Spain and Algeria following an explosion in its engine room, Spanish media reported. A distress signal was sent, and a Russian military vessel coordinated the rescue efforts.
Oboronlogistika has called the incident a “deliberate terrorist attack.” Reports indicate that the Ursa Major was frequently used to transport supplies for Russia’s military activities in Syria.
