Explosion Sinks Russian Cargo Ship Ursa Major in the Mediterranean; Two Crew Members Missing

A devastating explosion in the engine room of the Russian cargo ship Ursa Major led to its sinking in the Mediterranean Sea, between Spain and Algeria, leaving two crew members unaccounted for, according to a statement from Russia's foreign ministry.

The Ursa Major, built in 2009 and operated by Oboronlogistika, a company linked to Russia’s defense ministry, was reportedly en route to Vladivostok carrying two massive port cranes. The explosion occurred on December 23, prompting an emergency rescue operation coordinated by Spain’s maritime rescue service.

Of the 16 crew members aboard, 14 were rescued and taken to the Spanish port of Cartagena. However, two crew members remain missing. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the explosion.

Spain’s maritime rescue service received a distress signal from the Ursa Major about 57 miles off the coast of Almería on Monday. Nearby vessels reported severe weather conditions and the ship listing heavily to its starboard side, with a lifeboat seen in the water.

Rescue efforts involved two vessels and a helicopter, which successfully evacuated the surviving crew. A Russian warship later arrived at the scene and assumed control of ongoing rescue operations.

The vessel, previously named Sparta III, had departed from the Russian port of St. Petersburg on December 11, with Vladivostok listed as its destination. Although it had a history of docking in the Syrian port of Tartous, there was no indication it was bound for Syria this time.

Unverified footage published by Russian media outlet Life.ru showed the ship listing significantly, with its bow sinking lower into the water. The video also captured the two port cranes secured to the deck.

Both Oboronlogistika and SK-Yug, the ship’s direct operator, declined to comment on the incident. The entities, as well as the Ursa Major, are under U.S. sanctions due to their connections with Russia’s military operations.

In a related development, Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, HUR, reported technical issues with another Russian cargo ship, Sparta, off the coast of Portugal. According to HUR, the vessel had resumed its journey and was allegedly headed to Syria to transport military equipment. These claims remain unverified.

The sinking of the Ursa Major raises questions about its cargo, operational circumstances, and the broader implications for Russia's maritime activities in the region. Investigations by Spanish authorities and Russian agencies are ongoing.