A Russian cargo ship, Ursa Major, has tragically sunk in the Mediterranean Sea after a catastrophic explosion in its engine room. The incident occurred while the ship was navigating the waters between Spain and Algeria. The Russian foreign ministry confirmed the accident, revealing that the explosion caused severe damage, ultimately leading to the vessel’s demise.
There were 16 crew members onboard at the time of the explosion. Out of these, 14 were rescued and brought to safety at the Spanish port of Cartagena, thanks to the swift action of Spain’s maritime rescue agency, Salvamento Marítimo. Despite the successful rescue of the majority of the crew, two members remain missing, and no updates on their condition have been provided so far.
The Ursa Major had set sail from St. Petersburg, Russia, 12 days before the incident. The vessel was reportedly on its way to Vladivostok in Russia’s Far East, carrying two massive cranes, each weighing 380 tonnes, intended for the port there. However, the destination could not be independently verified, leaving some uncertainty about the ship’s final journey.
Rescue Efforts and Observations Surrounding Ursa Major
The rescue operation began when Spanish authorities discovered 14 crew members from the Ursa Major aboard a lifeboat. They moved quickly to take the rescued people to the port of Cartagena in Spain. Shortly after, a Russian warship arrived at the scene to oversee the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.
Interestingly, the Ursa Major and another Russian cargo ship, Sparta, were in the same region of the Mediterranean at the time of the tragedy. Both vessels had been observed passing through the English Channel under escort last week. Reports suggest the Sparta has been involved in transporting military equipment from Russia’s naval base in Tartous, Syria, highlighting the significant role of Russian cargo ships in military logistics.
Interestingly, Ursa Major was previously known as Sparta III, a fact that has led to confusion in tracking their activities. Adding to the complexity, the Sparta experienced mechanical issues earlier this month, drifting for over an hour off the coast of Brittany, France, before regaining control. These incidents have raised questions about the safety and operations of Russian cargo ships in international waters.
The Final Moments of Ursa Major
The Ursa Major was passing between the Spanish town of Águilas and Oran, Algeria, when it exploded on Monday afternoon. Eyewitness accounts from the tanker Ross Sea provided critical evidence of the ship’s final moments. Video footage recorded between 12:00 and 13:00 GMT on December 23 captured the Ursa Major listing heavily to one side, a clear indication of severe internal damage.
Despite efforts to save the vessel, it sank completely by 01:20 GMT on Tuesday. The exact cause of the explosion remains unknown, though the ship’s location in a region of heightened geopolitical tension adds a layer of complexity to the investigation.
Built in 2009, the Ursa Major was a modern cargo ship with a substantial role in Russia’s logistics network. International sanctions were imposed on the ship and its owner, Oboronlogistika, after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. These sanctions were imposed due to the company’s involvement in transporting goods to support Russia’s military operations.
At the time of its final voyage, the Ursa Major was described as the flagship of Oboronlogistika’s fleet. The ship’s cargo included two 380-tonne cranes intended for the port in Vladivostok, as well as 45-tonne hatch covers designed for icebreaker vessels. The nature of its cargo highlights the ship’s critical role in supporting Russia’s infrastructure and maritime activities.
Broader Implications
The sinking of the Ursa Major underscores the dangers faced by cargo ships navigating the busy and geopolitically sensitive waters of the Mediterranean Sea. While the immediate focus remains on the missing crew members and the investigation into the explosion, the incident has drawn attention to the operational challenges faced by Russian cargo ships, particularly those operating under international sanctions.
This tragic event adds to a series of incidents involving Russian vessels in recent months, raising questions about their maintenance, safety protocols, and potential involvement in activities beyond civilian logistics. As the Mediterranean remains a key region for maritime trade and geopolitical maneuvering, such incidents serve as stark reminders of the risks associated with navigating these contested waters.
