A Russian cargo ship that sank in the Mediterranean Sea between Spain and Algeria was reportedly targeted in an act of sabotage, according to the vessel’s operator.
Oboronlogistika, a state-owned Russian company that managed the Ursa Major freighter, stated that the ship was destroyed by three powerful explosions near the waterline. In a statement reported by Russia’s state-run RIA Novosti news agency, the company described the incident as a “terrorist attack” that ultimately caused the vessel to sink.
Explosions Render Rescue Efforts Impossible
The operator revealed that the blasts created a significant hole on the ship’s starboard side, filling the engine room with thick, acrid smoke. This hindered the crew’s attempts to access the area and compromised the vessel’s ability to activate pumps to prevent further flooding. As a result, the damage proved irreparable, and the ship was unable to stay afloat.
Fourteen crew members were rescued from a lifeboat and transferred to safety in Spain. However, two crew members remain unaccounted for, the company confirmed.
Details of the Ship and Its Mission
The Ursa Major was one of Russia’s largest cargo vessels. It had departed from St. Petersburg and was en route to Vladivostok on Russia’s far eastern coast. The ship’s cargo reportedly included two heavy cranes and other equipment.
Oboronlogistika was established under the Russian Ministry of Defense and has been subjected to sanctions by the United States and the European Union due to its connections with Russia’s military.
Strategic Shipping Routes
Although the Northern Sea Route through Russia’s Arctic has become more accessible year-round due to global warming, many vessels continue to rely on southern routes during winter months. The Ursa Major was navigating one such southern route at the time of the incident.
Independent Verification Pending
As of now, the claims made by Oboronlogistika regarding the explosions and their cause have not been independently verified. Authorities in the region and international maritime agencies are yet to issue formal statements on the incident.
The sinking of the Ursa Major underscores the vulnerabilities faced by vessels operating in contested and politically charged waters, raising broader concerns about maritime security in the region.
