A Russian cargo ship, the Ursa Major, tragically sank in the Mediterranean Sea between Spain and Algeria, resulting in two crew members being reported missing. The incident was confirmed by Spain's maritime rescue agency and the Russian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday. Fortunately, fourteen crew members were rescued from a lifeboat and safely transferred to southeastern Spain following the ship's sinking.
According to reports, the vessel experienced an explosion in the engine room, leading to its rapid descent. The Ursa Major was owned by a subsidiary of Oboronlogistika, a shipping and logistics company associated with Russia's defense ministry and subject to sanctions by both the U.S. and the European Union due to its ties to the Russian military.
The cargo ship was carrying empty containers and two cranes, each weighing 380 tons, destined for Vladivostok, a city in Russia's far east. The exact cause of the accident and the ship's intended destination remain unconfirmed by Spanish authorities.
Spanish maritime rescue units were alerted to the situation on Monday when the vessel was approximately 57 nautical miles off the coast of Almería in southeastern Spain. A nearby ship reported poor weather conditions, a lifeboat in the water, and the Ursa Major listing, prompting immediate action.
Rescue operations were overseen by a Russian warship that arrived on the scene later that day. Despite efforts to save the vessel, the 142-meter cargo ship ultimately sank around midnight. The Russian embassy in Spain has initiated an investigation into the incident and is collaborating with local authorities to gather more information.
Thankfully, all crew members rescued from the Ursa Major were reported to be uninjured upon arrival in the city of Cartagena. Spanish maritime rescue units continue to monitor the area for pollution and remove any floating objects that could pose a threat to navigation.
