An engine room explosion caused a Russian cargo ship, Ursa Major, to sink in the Mediterranean Sea between Spain and Algeria, leaving two crew members missing, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday. The ship had been carrying a unique load, including two massive port cranes and parts for new icebreakers.
The Ursa Major, built in 2009, was operated by Oboronlogistika, a company linked to the Russian Defence Ministry. It was on a long journey from Saint Petersburg to the far eastern Russian port of Vladivostok when tragedy struck. Before the explosion, the ship had been cruising through international waters, its route tracked and monitored.
Out of the 16 crew members on board, 14 were rescued and brought to safety in Spain, but two remain unaccounted for. Rescuers worked tirelessly, with vessels like a Spanish Navy ship joining the efforts to save the crew. The survivors were evacuated to the Spanish port city of Cartagena.
Witnesses described seeing the ship listing heavily to one side, its bow dipping dangerously close to the water. A passing ship captured video footage of the vessel in distress on December 23, which later surfaced on Russian media. In the clip, the two giant cranes strapped to the deck were clearly visible.
The Foreign Ministry hasn’t shared details about what triggered the explosion, but the incident has raised questions about the ship’s journey. Interestingly, tracking data showed that the Ursa Major had left Saint Petersburg on December 11, bound for Vladivostok. However, it was last seen near Spain and Algeria late Monday night. Unlike previous trips when it stopped at Syria’s Tartous port, this time, its intended destination appeared straightforward.
Oboronlogistika, along with SK-Yug—the ship’s listed operator—has so far declined to comment on the sinking. The ship’s earlier name, Sparta III, and its cargo of specialized cranes meant for the Vladivostok port highlight its significance to Russian logistics.
Spanish media reported that the rescue efforts were swift and coordinated, involving multiple vessels and emergency teams. While the exact cause of the explosion remains unclear, the focus now is on finding the missing crew members and understanding how the disaster unfolded. The Ursa Major’s story, one of a long voyage and an unexpected tragedy, has captured attention far beyond the Mediterranean.
