**Russian Cargo Ship Ursa Major Sinks in Mediterranean Following Engine Explosion**
A Russian cargo ship, Ursa Major, has tragically sunk in the Mediterranean Sea between Spain and Algeria, following a devastating explosion in its engine room. This incident has been officially confirmed by Russia’s foreign ministry.
Fourteen crew members were successfully rescued and transported to the Spanish port of Cartagena; however, two individuals remain unaccounted for. The vessel departed from St. Petersburg 12 days prior to the incident, according to reports.
The ship was reportedly en route to Vladivostok, carrying two heavy cranes weighing 380 tonnes each, although the destination has not been independently verified.
Prior to the sinking, Spain’s maritime rescue agency discovered 14 crew members on a lifeboat, who were then safely brought to Spain. A Russian warship subsequently arrived to oversee the rescue efforts.
Interestingly, Ursa Major was in proximity to another sanctioned Russian vessel, Sparta, when it encountered difficulties. Both ships were previously observed navigating through the English Channel, reportedly under escort.
Recent intelligence reports indicated that Sparta was heading to a Russian naval base in Tartous, Syria, to transport military equipment following political changes in the region.
A Kremlin representative indicated that Russia is actively engaging with Syria’s new leadership concerning its two military installations at both diplomatic and military levels.
Oboronlogistika, the owner of Ursa Major, has been instrumental in moving cargo to Tartous, although reports suggest that Sparta’s intended destination was Port Said in Egypt.
According to marine transport monitoring sources, Ursa Major’s automatic identification system (AIS) indicated that its target destination since December 11 had been Vladivostok. However, during a previous journey in September, the destination was recorded as Tartous.
**Ursa Major Under US Sanction Since 2022**
On the same day, reports confirmed that Sparta had experienced mechanical issues off the coast of Portugal, though these have since been resolved. There was some confusion due to Ursa Major also being referred to as Sparta III.
The cause of the explosion aboard Ursa Major remains unclear as the ship passed between Oran, Algeria, and the Spanish town of Águilas.
Footage verified from the tanker Ross Sea documented severe listing of the ship around midday GMT on Monday, shortly before it sank at approximately 01:20 GMT on Tuesday.
Constructed in 2009, Ursa Major was subjected to sanctions following Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 due to the ship owner’s involvement in military cargo transport.
Oboronlogistika characterized the cargo ship, identified as the flagship of its fleet, as carrying essential supplies, including 45-tonne hatch covers for icebreakers alongside the cranes intended for the Vladivostok port.
