Allowing Russian cruise ship to drift in Atlantic irresponsible, Opposition says

OTTAWA – The federal Opposition says it is irresponsible of Canada to abandon a derelict Russian cruise ship that’s now drifting in the North Atlantic.

NDP transport critic Olivia Chow says Transport Canada never should have allowed the Lyubov Orlova to be towed out of port in St. John’s, N.L., in the dead of winter.

The empty cruise ship was being pulled to the Dominican Republic for scrap last month when its tow line snapped in rough seas.

An offshore supply ship was sent to tow the vessel away from offshore oil platforms last week, and Transport Canada issued a statement Saturday saying the Lyubov Orlova had drifted into international waters.

The release said the vessel was not expected to re-enter Canadian waters and the department would not be pursuing the vessel.

Transport Canada did not return messages seeking comment.