DISINFO: Norwegian ship refuses rescue of Russian sailors from the Ursa Major cargo ship
SUMMARY
A Norwegian ship refused to rescue Russian sailors from the Ursa Major cargo ship, which was attacked by terrorists and began to sink, in violation of all conceivable maritime and humanitarian laws. On the part of Norway, this is not just an act of outright Russophobia; it violates maritime law, specifically Article 10 of the International Convention on Salvage of 1989.
RESPONSE
The claim that a Norwegian ship refused to rescue Russian sailors in violation of maritime law is a blunt distortion of facts. This claim aligns with broader pro-Kremlin disinformation tactics aimed at portraying Western nations as belligerent, lacking moral values or respect for international law.
The incident occurred when a Russian cargo ship called Ursa Major sank after three explosions breached its hull. The explosions were described by the ship's owner as "an act of terrorism". The Spanish Maritime Rescue Service received a distress signal from the Russian ship, and two Spanish rescue vessels and a helicopter were sent to the scene.
The Norwegian-flagged vessel Oslo Carrier 3, which was present at the scene, provided assistance to the distressed Russian crew. The ship's owner, Bulkship Management AS, said that the crew of the Oslo Carrier 3 followed instructions from Spain's Maritime Rescue Coordinating Center (MRCC), asking them not to take the distressed sailors aboard, as a Spanish rescue boat was on its way. The company asserts that the lifeboat carrying the Russian sailors was secured by the Oslo Carrier 3 until the Spanish rescue vessel arrived. Weather conditions were also favourable, and none of the sailors were injured or in imminent danger.
Bulkship Management AS released photographs showing the lifeboat being secured by the Oslo Carrier 3 and later being towed by the Spanish rescue vessel.