The Russian cargo ship “Ursa Major” sank due to an explosion in the Mediterranean Sea between Spain and Algeria, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry. 14 crew members on board the ship were rescued in the accident and have been taken to the Port of Cartagena, Spain. However, two more members are still believed to be missing.
Voyages and Cargoes of Ursa Major:
Ursa Major started its journey from the port of St. Petersburg 12 days ago. The ship was said to be heading to the Russian port of Vladivostok. The ship had two large cranes, each weighing 380 tons. However, this destination could not be independently verified.
Details of the accident:
Before the Ursa Major sank, Spain’s Salvamento Maritimo rescue agency rescued 14 crew members from a lifeboat and brought them safely to Spain. After that, a Russian warship reached the area and took over the rescue operation. The ship’s owner said the vessel was carrying a 45-tonne cover and other equipment, including a large crane, bound for Vladivostok.
Explosion on the Algeria-Spain road:
On Monday afternoon, Ursa Major exploded while traveling between Oran (Algeria) and Águilas (Spain). A video taken from the tanker “Ross Sea” showed the ship tilting between 12pm and 1pm on December 23. Finally, at 1:20 a.m. on Tuesday, the ship sank completely.
Sparta Shipping Relations:
Checking the previous information of Ursa Major, this ship was formerly known as “Sparta III”. Another Russian ship “Sparta” was also in the same area in the Mediterranean Sea. The ship was used to transport military supplies from Tartes naval base in Syria.
Officers’ Opinion and Future Implications:
The Russian government said the owner of the Ursa Major, Oboronlogistica, was active in transporting cargo to the Syrian port of Tartus. The incident could affect military relations between Syria and Russia.
Historical Background of Ursa Major:
The Ursa Major ship, built in 2009, came under sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The ship was embargoed because its owner was involved in transporting cargo for the Russian military.
Rescue work:
A Russian warship has reached the Ursa Major disaster site and completed the rescue mission. However, the exact cause of the explosion is not yet clear.
The explosion is likely to have a major impact on Russian military operations in the Mediterranean, including shipping. The search for the missing members is still going on.
