A Russian cargo ship, the Ursa Major, sank overnight in the Mediterranean Sea after suffering multiple explosions, raising suspicions of foul play. The vessel, owned by the state-controlled Oboronlogistika, sank amid claims of it being the target of a terrorist attack, as reported by Russian state news agencies.
The incident, confirmed by Russia’s Foreign Ministry, occurred on December 23, 2024, when the Ursa Major sent out its last distress signal shortly before it vanished from tracking radars. Despite the terrifying turn of events, 14 crew members were rescued, but two remain missing, according to China's Maritime Rescue Service.
Video taken prior to the sinking showed the ship, approximately 466 feet long, leaning dangerously to one side as it passed between Spain and Algeria. Witnesses reported seeing the Ursa Major struggling with its stern submerged lower than usual, indicating it was taking on water. The ship was reportedly en route from the Russian port of St. Petersburg to Vladivostok and was said to be carrying significant cargo, including cranes weighing 380 tons each.
According to Oboronlogistika, three consecutive explosions rocked the ship's starboard side, occurring at approximately 1350 Moscow time (1050 GMT). The ship’s surviving crew members reported these blasts filled the engine room with smoke and compromised attempts to activate bilge pumps to prevent sinking. The exact cause of the explosions remains unclear, and no definitive evidence has been provided to substantiate the claims of terrorism.
On December 24, the ship was last noted sending signals roughly 57 miles off the coast of Almería, Spain. Following the distress call, Spain's maritime authorities dispatched rescue boats and helicopters to the scene. Authorities confirmed no injuries were reported among the rescued crew members, emphasizing their successful evacuation to the Spanish port of Cartagena.
The urgency of the situation escalated as bystanders, ship operators, and officials monitored the distress signal. Both Spanish and Russian officials cooperated, with Russian authorities affirming their focus on unearthing the circumstances surrounding the sinking. The Russian embassy in Spain confirmed they were actively working with local authorities for answers.
Oboronlogistika, which also has ties to Russia’s military operations, is under U.S. sanctions since 2022, tied to providing logistics support to Putin’s military engagements. Since the onset of the Ukraine crisis, various shipping entities connected with Russia have faced international scrutiny and restrictions complicate their operations.
The Ursa Major's sinking brought attention to Russia's military logistics operations, particularly concerning its activities along the Mediterranean coastline, including its naval base at Tartus, Syria. The unfortunate incident coincides with recent reports of increased Russian military withdrawals and reinforcements to its operations across the region.
Concerns linger over what motives might have led to the alleged terrorist attack if confirmed. The Russian Ministry has yet to provide clarity on who they think was behind the attack or their potential intentions.
The situation takes on added significance since it occurred amid rising tensions surrounding Russian military maneuvers, including alleged attempts to escort sanctioned vessels and transport military equipment from Syria amid geopolitical shifts. The Kremlin has been under heightened surveillance from both domestic and international observers as reports of its operations raise alarms of increased military activity.
The unpredictable nature of the situation continues to evolve, with calls for investigations as to the conditions leading up to the sinking. Russian law enforcement has opened investigations focusing on potential violations of maritime transport safety regulations, highlighting the serious international and legal ramifications of this tragedy.
Just days before the Ursa Major was lost, another Russian vessel, the Sparta, had reportedly faced significant hurdles during its own maritime engagements, raising speculation about possible attempts to disrupt Russia's re-supply operations.
The fate of the two missing crew members remains uncertain, as rescue efforts continue to search the waters where the Ursa Major sank. The incident poses not only logistical challenges for Russia’s military operations but also questions surrounding security and safety on the high seas, especially concerning vessels tied to controversial governmental operations. This situation emphasizes the importance of maritime safety, especially under circumstances yielding significant political ramifications.
While the Ursa Major had previously facilitated pivotal support to Russia's military across various international operations, its sinking marks another chapter of confusion and peril on the high seas—a stark reminder of the tensions surrounding global maritime law and the responsibilities of nations operating within contested zones.
