A devastating engine room explosion sank the Russian cargo ship Ursa Major in the Mediterranean, leaving two crew members missing. The incident occurred between Spain and Algeria, prompting immediate rescue efforts.
Rescue Operations Save Most Crew Members
The explosion struck the Ursa Major while it was 57 miles off the coast of Almería. Spain’s maritime rescue service responded swiftly, dispatching two vessels and a helicopter. Fourteen of the 16 crew members were rescued and brought to Cartagena, but two remain missing. Unverified video footage showed the ship listing heavily to one side before it sank. A Russian warship later assumed control of the rescue mission.
Cargo and Connections to Defense Ministry
The ship, built in 2009, was transporting two port cranes and empty containers, according to its owner, Oboronlogistika. The company, linked to Russia’s defense ministry, confirmed the cargo was destined for Vladivostok. U.S. sanctions imposed in 2022 targeted both Oboronlogistika and the Ursa Major for their ties to military logistics. Despite past stops in Tartous, Syria, the ship’s official route indicated Vladivostok as its destination.
Rising Maritime Concerns Amid Global Tensions
While the Ursa Major sank, Ukraine’s intelligence agency reported issues with another Russian cargo ship, Sparta, near Portugal. The Sparta reportedly resolved its technical problems and continued toward Syria to retrieve military equipment. This incident and the sinking of the Ursa Major underscore the challenges and risks facing maritime operations in geopolitically sensitive regions. Investigations are underway to determine the explosion’s cause and enhance maritime safety.
