The Russian cargo vessel Ursa Major sank in the Mediterranean Sea between Spain and Algeria after an explosion in its engine room, Russia’s foreign ministry confirmed. Of the 16 crew members on board, 14 were rescued and transported to the Spanish port of Cartagena, while two remain unaccounted for.
According to Interfax, Ursa Major departed St. Petersburg 12 days ago, reportedly carrying two port cranes, each weighing 380 tonnes, intended for Vladivostok in Russia’s Far East. However, the final destination could not be independently verified.
The ship was sailing in the same region of the Mediterranean as another sanctioned Russian vessel, Sparta, when the incident occurred. Both ships had been observed traveling through the English Channel under escort last week.
Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) recently reported that Sparta was heading toward Russia’s naval base in Tartous, Syria, to transport military equipment following Bashar al-Assad’s ouster. Meanwhile, the Kremlin confirmed ongoing talks with Syria’s new leadership regarding the future of Russia’s military facilities in the region.
Ursa Major’s owner, Oboronlogistika, has been a key player in cargo transportation to Tartous. The ship, also known as Sparta III, was under US sanctions due to its role in supporting Russia’s military logistics following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Unverified footage from Monday showed the ship heavily listing as it sailed between Oran, Algeria, and Aguilas, Spain. The cause of the explosion remains unknown.
Built in 2009, Ursa Major was described by its owner as the flagship of its fleet. Oboronlogistika stated the ship was transporting 45-tonne hatch covers for icebreakers in addition to the cranes.
