Russian Cargo Ship Ursa Major Sinks in the Mediterranean

Russian Cargo Ship Ursa Major Sinks in the Mediterranean

A Russian cargo ship, Ursa Major, sank in the Mediterranean Sea following an explosion in its engine room. The vessel had been en route to Vladivostok with port cranes onboard. Fourteen of the 16 crew members were rescued, while two remain missing.

Details of the Vessel

• Built: 2009
• Owned by: Oboronlogistika, a company tied to Russia’s Defense Ministry.
• Cargo: Two giant port cranes and empty containers.
• Previous Names: The vessel was formerly called Sparta III.

Timeline of Events

1. Departure and Route:
   The ship left St. Petersburg on December 11, indicating Vladivostok as its destination. It was last recorded in waters between Algeria and Spain.
2. Distress Signal:
   On December 23, a distress signal was sent 57 miles off the coast of Almería, Spain. Reports from a nearby ship described bad weather and the Ursa Major listing heavily to the starboard side.
3. Rescue Operations:
   Spain’s Maritime Rescue Service coordinated initial rescue efforts, saving 14 crew members. A Russian warship later took over the rescue operation.

Possible Causes and Investigation

The cause of the explosion remains unknown. Russia’s embassy in Spain is investigating the circumstances, and the Spanish authorities are assisting in inquiries.

Background and Sanctions

The ship and its owner, Oboronlogistika, are under U.S. sanctions for ties to Russia’s military operations. The vessel was reportedly transporting cranes to Vladivostok for use in port construction and icebreaker assembly.

Unverified Video and Observations

Unverified footage showed the vessel heavily listing with its bow submerged. The ship was carrying large cranes strapped to its deck, which were visible in the video.

Context of Russian Ship Movements

• Alternate Destinations: The ship had previously called at Tartous, Syria, raising questions about its intended route.
• Separate Incident: On the same day, Ukraine’s military intelligence reported technical issues with another Russian ship, Sparta, believed to be transporting military equipment to Syria.

Key Questions

• Cause of Explosion: What led to the engine room explosion remains unclear.
• Intended Cargo Use: There is speculation about whether the cargo was solely for construction purposes or linked to military operations.
• Impact of Weather: Adverse conditions may have worsened the situation, contributing to the sinking.

Conclusion

The sinking of the Ursa Major adds to the challenges and scrutiny facing Russian maritime operations amid heightened geopolitical tensions. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full details of the incident.