Oboronlogistics LLC alleges that the Norwegian-flagged vessel, Oslo Carrier 3, neglected to rescue the crew of the Ursa Major, a Russian freighter reportedly targeted in a “terrorist attack” in the Mediterranean, a violation of maritime law, they claim.
The Russian-owned Ursa Major sank in the waters between Spain and Algeria on Monday after Oboronlogistics claimed it suffered a “terrorist attack” involving “three successive explosions.” Fourteen crew members were rescued by Spanish authorities, but two remain missing.
Oboronlogistics’ press office informed RIA Novosti that a lifeboat carrying the Russian sailors approached the nearby Oslo Carrier 3. However, despite having a partly Russian-speaking crew, the Norwegian ship refused to take them aboard, citing an unspecified prohibition.
Oboronlogistics condemns this refusal as a clear breach of maritime law, which mandates that vessels assist those in distress at sea unless it poses a considerable risk to their own crew.
Bulkship Management AS, the Oslo-based operator of the Oslo Carrier 3, has not yet responded to these accusations.
Oboronlogistics LLC is subject to Western sanctions due to its ties to the Russian defense sector. Nevertheless, these sanctions include exemptions for maritime safety and situations jeopardizing the well-being of crews from sanctioned vessels.
The Ursa Major, a 142-meter-long vessel built in 2009 with a gross tonnage of around 12,600 tons, was one of Russia’s largest cargo ships. It was carrying specialized port and shipbuilding equipment when it sank while en route from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok.
Although neither Oboronlogistics nor Russian officials have identified those responsible for the alleged “terrorist attack,” the incident coincides with heightened geopolitical tensions surrounding the Ukraine conflict, given Kyiv’s history of targeting Russian ships in the Black Sea.