A Russian cargo ship named Ursa Major sank in the Mediterranean Sea after an explosion destroyed its engine room, the Russian Foreign Ministry reported today (Tuesday). Two crew members onboard are currently listed as missing.
The ship, which departed from St. Petersburg, was being used for Russia's military construction operations. According to reports, it was en route to the port of Vladivostok in eastern Russia, carrying two large port cranes. The last signal from the ship was sent while it was located between Algeria and Spain. Several vessels, including one from the Spanish Navy, took part in the rescue efforts. Fourteen of the 16 crew members were rescued and brought to Spain, while two remain unaccounted for.
The cause of the explosion in the engine room is still unknown. The Russian news agency RIA reported that the Russian Embassy in Spain is investigating the circumstances of the sinking and is in contact with local authorities.
Video of the Ursa Major just prior to sinking. pic.twitter.com/JQbVpXFv5j
— Oliver Alexander (@OAlexanderDK) December 24, 2024
Unverified videos published online, allegedly from a passing ship, show the Ursa Major heavily listing to its starboard side.
Oboronlogistics, the company that owns the ship, stated several days ago that it was carrying specialized port cranes intended for installation at the Vladivostok port, along with equipment designed for winter construction projects. The company has yet to comment on the sinking.
