On December 23, 2024, the Russian cargo ship Ursa Major sank in the Mediterranean Sea between Spain and Algeria after suffering a significant explosion in its engine room. The vessel, measuring 142 meters long and owned by Oboronlogistika, has become the focus of international attention due to its controversial connections and cargo.
The incident was confirmed by Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stating the tragedy resulted in two crew members being reported missing, whereas 14 others were safely rescued and transported to the Spanish port of Cartagena. Surveillance footage showed the Ursa Major listing dangerously with its stern submerged before succumbing to the waves.
The cargo ship had departed from Saint Petersburg on December 11 and was purportedly heading to Vladivostok, Russia, transporting several port cranes and parts for icebreakers according to official sources. Notably, the Ukrainian military intelligence agency (HUR) raised alarms, asserting the ship was instead en route to the military base at Tartus, Syria, which is significant for Russian operations.
This discrepancy has led to various speculative narratives around the ship’s true mission, particularly as it reportedly navigated alongside another sanctioned Russian vessel, Sparta, just days before the incident. Both ships were surveilled traveling through the English Channel, seemingly under military escort.
Investigation teams from Russia have launched inquiries following the explosion, which Russian officials assiduously categorize as potentially linked to violations of maritime safety rules. Meanwhile, Spanish authorities have initiated their own investigation since the distress signal was received approximately 105 kilometers off the coast of Almería.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the Ursa Major, owned by Oboronlogistika, had previously faced sanctions from the U.S. due to its ties with the Russian military, indicating its role goes beyond typical commercial shipping.
Among the rescued crew members, accounts reveal details of their tumultuous escape as the ship went down, with Spanish rescuers dispatching vessels and helicopters for the emergency operation. These operations were reported to include the assignment of the rescue vessel Draco and the patrol boat Clara Campoamor, which were instrumental during the maritime crisis.
The survivors were met by Red Cross services upon arrival and are currently under the care of their shipping company until arrangements for repatriation are finalized. Speculations abound as reports suggest the cargo may have been more than what was publicly disclosed, adding to the intrigue surrounding Oboronlogistika’s operations and the Russian government’s military strategies.
Russian officials vehemently deny any terrorist activity or clandestine missions related to the Ursa Major, asserting the explosion was not caused by foul play but instead resulted from mechanical failure. Yet, Western media outlets, including The Sun, propagate theories hinting at the ship's involvement in covert activities aimed at retrieving military equipment from Syria following the upheaval of its governing regime.
While the Kremlin seeks clarity on the incident, the geopolitical ramifications remain significant, particularly in light of shifting alliances and military logistics following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. Russia's presence and operational dependencies on facilities like Tartus have become focal points for concern, especially as they relate to broader conflicts and Russia’s strategic ambitions within the region.
Authorities from both Russia and Spain are collaborating to obtain more definitive answers about the Ursa Major’s mission, its cargo, and the causes behind the tragic explosion. It highlights the complex narrative of maritime operations involving Russian vessels, underscored by international security concerns.
This incident not only raises questions about the safety protocols employed by Russian maritime enterprises but also ignites debates about the future of Russian military capabilities and their logistical operations, particularly within troubled regions of the Middle East and North Africa.
The full extent of the investigation remains to be seen, with hopes from families of the missing crew members for their safe return, coinciding with wider discussions on the perilous realities of maritime transport amid geopolitical instability.
