Western ship’s refusal to rescue Russian sailors ‘unforgivable’ – Medvedev

A Norwegian vessel reportedly declined to save the crew of the Ursa Major in the Mediterranean after it was damaged in an alleged terrorist attack

The alleged refusal of a Norwegian-flagged ship to save Russian sailors from a sinking freighter in the Mediterranean is “unforgivable,” former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has said.

Russian freighter the Ursa Major went down in waters between Spain and Algeria on Monday. Oboronlogistics, the ship’s owner, claimed it was damaged in a “terrorist attack,” with reports of “three successive explosions” on board. Spanish rescue ships recovered 14 crew members, with two still missing.

On Friday, the company claimed that a nearby Norwegian ship, Oslo Carrier 3, declined to rescue the Russian sailors, citing “some kind of prohibition.” Oboronlogistics described the alleged refusal as a blatant violation of maritime law.

Medvedev, who now serves as deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, voiced outrage at the reported incident.

He argued that European countries have already acted as the main proponents of escalating the Ukraine conflict and derailing the peace process, charging that “Europe must be punished by all means available, be it political, economic, or hybrid.” 

“Looking at the Old World today, the only thing I feel is deep revulsion. It is Europe, now a mad old hag, which became the world’s stronghold of Russophobia.” 

Medvedev welcomed recent public unrest in a number of European countries, writing: “Hail raging mobs on… quaint [European] streets! Hail swarms of migrants wreaking havoc and wrathfully tearing down European rainbow values!” 

READ MORE: Norwegian ship snubbed sinking Russian vessel – owner

While acknowledging that these remarks may seem outrageous and insensitive to some, Medvedev noted that the reported incident of the Norwegian ship refusing to help Russian sailors in distress could hardly elicit a different kind of reaction and cannot help but reinforce animosity towards the West.

“What more is there to explain? That cannot be forgiven!” he stressed.

Oslo-based Bulkship Management AS, the operator of Oslo Carrier 3, has yet to comment on the allegations.