A Russian cargo ship, identified as Ursa Major, sank in the Mediterranean Sea on December 23, 2024. The incident occurred approximately 60 miles off the coast of Spain and is under investigation by Spanish authorities.
Possible Causes Behind the Sinking
Reports suggest that the Ursa Major may have been struck by a rare supercavitating torpedo. This type of torpedo is believed to be used by several NATO members, Russia, and Iran. A breach measuring 50 by 50 centimeters was found in the ship’s hull, raising suspicions about the cause of the sinking.
Explosions and Distress Signal
On December 22, the ship unexpectedly slowed while navigating Spanish waters. The crew assured rescuers that no emergency had occurred at that time. However, about 24 hours later, the vessel emitted a distress signal following three explosions, which survivors described as taking place near the engine room.
- Two crew members were confirmed dead.
- Fourteen others were evacuated by Spanish rescue teams.
Afterwards, Spanish rescuers boarded the Ursa Major and discovered its engine room had been sealed. Additional explosions were recorded hours before the ship ultimately sank. Spain’s National Seismic Network detected four seismic events in the vicinity, leading investigators to consider the possibility of underwater explosives.
Suspicion of Illicit Cargo
Furthermore, the Ursa Major was reportedly transporting components intended for two submarine nuclear reactors, suspected to be aimed for North Korea. The Russian captain claimed to investigators that the cargo comprised items similar to those used in submarines.
Timeline of Events
The Ursa Major departed from Ust-Luga, Russia, on December 11, 2024, with Vladivostok listed as its destination. Following the sinking, US WC-135R aircraft, designed to detect radioactive particles, flew over the wreck site. Notably, the Russian ship Yantar, known for its intelligence activities, visited the area weeks post-incident.
Russia’s Response
In the aftermath, Russia labeled the sinking of the Ursa Major as “an act of terrorism.” This assertion came after the ship suffered multiple explosions prior to its sinking in the Mediterranean.
The investigation into the Ursa Major’s sinking continues, as answers remain elusive regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident and its potential connections to broader geopolitical tensions.
