Russia says two missing after cargo ship sinks in Mediterranean

In a tragic incident, the Russian cargo ship Ursa Major sank in international waters of the Mediterranean Sea following an explosion in its engine room. The explosion occurred while the vessel was en route to Vladivostok, carrying two giant port cranes. According to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 14 of the 16 crew members were rescued, but two remain missing. The incident has raised concerns about maritime safety and the circumstances surrounding the explosion.

Details of the Incident

The Ursa Major sank between Spain and Algeria after a significant explosion in its engine room. The Russian Ministry’s crisis center reported the incident on Tuesday, confirming that the ship was built in 2009 and operated by Oboronlogistika, a company linked to the Russian Ministry of Defence. The ship was reportedly carrying specialized port cranes intended for installation at the port of Vladivostok, along with parts for new icebreakers.

Unverified video footage surfaced showing the Ursa Major heavily listing to its starboard side, with its bow submerged in the water. This footage was captured by a passing vessel on December 23 and later published by the Russian news outlet life.ru. The ship had departed from the Russian port of Saint Petersburg on December 11 and was last tracked sending a signal on December 20, just before it sank.

While 14 crew members were successfully evacuated and brought to Spain, the fate of the two missing individuals remains uncertain. Spanish news outlet El Espanol reported that the crew members were taken to the port of Cartagena, with several vessels, including a Spanish Navy ship, participating in the rescue operation. The Ursa Major was expected to arrive in Vladivostok on January 22, but that timeline has now been thrown into disarray due to this unfortunate event.

Investigation and Future Implications

The cause of the explosion that led to the sinking of the Ursa Major is still unknown. The Russian authorities have not released any information regarding the investigation into the incident. The lack of clarity surrounding the explosion raises questions about safety protocols and the condition of the vessel prior to the incident.

Oboronlogistika, the ship’s owner, has not commented on the sinking, leaving many details unaddressed. The Ursa Major, previously known as Sparta III, was reportedly carrying crucial equipment for Russia’s military and infrastructure projects. The implications of this incident could be significant, especially considering the ship’s ties to the Russian Ministry of Defence.

As the search for the missing crew members continues, maritime safety experts may call for stricter regulations and oversight for cargo vessels, particularly those carrying sensitive military equipment. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers faced by seafarers and the importance of maintaining high safety standards in maritime operations.