The crew of the Russian cargo ship Ursa Major faced dramatic circumstances recently as their vessel sank following three suspicious explosions aboard. The catastrophic event occurred on December 23, 2024, about 67 nautical miles from Spain and 45 nautical miles from Algeria, within the Mediterranean Sea. While the ship's sinking raises numerous questions, the refusal of the nearby Norwegian vessel Oslo Carrier 3 to accept the fleeing crew adds another layer of complexity to the incident.
The events unfolded when the Ursa Major was on its way from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok, carrying heavy equipment including two port cranes and hatches for new icebreakers. It was reported to be well within safe loading limits, carrying only 806 tons of cargo when it met its fate. The explosive incident occurred around 1:50 PM Moscow time, when the crew reported hearing three consecutive blasts on the starboard side, leaving the ship with significant damage—a hole approximately 50 by 50 centimeters—which caused the vessel to roll severely and then capsize.
Spanish authorities quickly mobilized to assist and dispatched their rescue ship, Salvamar Drago, which made its way to the lifeboat containing the 14 surviving crew members. Upon nearing the scene, it was revealed through reports from Oboronlogistics, the company operating the sunken vessel, the Oslo Carrier 3 was present as well, but declined to take on the survivors due to undetermined restrictions, as stated by the Russian ship's operators.
This refusal has been highlighted as a grave breach of international maritime laws, particularly Article 10 of the 1989 International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue. Oboronlogistics reported having attempted communication with the Oslo Carrier 3, but the Norwegian vessel's crew insisted they were under some form of prohibition, leaving the crew of the Ursa Major stranded and reliant solely on the Spanish for rescue.
Once aboard the Salvamar Drago, the rescued sailors endured no reported injuries and were later taken to Cartagena, where they were accommodated. Sadly, two crew members are still unaccounted for, raising hope and concern among their families and fellow sailors.
Officials have been quick to classify the incident as possibly stemming from terrorist activity, based on reports from crew members claiming the sequence of explosions was executed strategically. This classification is significant as it implies intentional disruption rather than mere operational failure or accident, indicating potential geopolitical ramifications.
“The Ursa Major sank due to what we describe as terrorist actions,” stated representatives from Oboronlogistics, emphasizing the severity of the situation and the dangers faced by maritime operators today. Their assertion certainly calls for comprehensive investigations by international maritime authorities, especially considering the allegations of sabotaged ships operating nearby.
Adding to the situation’s complexity, the ship had previously been implicated in supply movements related to the Russian military efforts, allegedly making it suspect to similar dangers posed to naval vessels operating under less-than-transparent circumstances. Analysts have noted the vessel's operational history raises speculative connections to the tensions surrounding Russian military activities abroad.
The maritime industry often calls for stringent regulations to protect against such incidents, considering the alarming frequency with which cargo vessels are threatened by modern-day piracy and sabotage. The missteps highlighted by the incident involving Ursa Major illuminate urgent calls for international collaboration to create strict enforcement mechanisms ensuring vessels comply with established rescue agreements and protections.
With investigations pending, the families of the missing crew members anxiously await answers, and many-eye authorities to hold accountable those who may have contributed to this maritime tragedy. The refusal by the Oslo Carrier 3 to assist raises troubling questions on maritime ethics and responsibility during crises.
At this juncture, it is clear this incident cannot be viewed simply as another maritime accident. With layers of allegations, geopolitical nuances, and humanitarian concerns woven throughout these events, the maritime world watches closely as details continue to emerge. The ultimate consequences of the sinking of the Ursa Major extend far beyond the rippling surface of the Mediterranean Sea.
