Russian Cargo Ship Ursa Major Sinks in Mediterranean Amid Suspicions of Attack
The Russian cargo ship Ursa Major sank in the Mediterranean Sea on December 23, 2024, following a significant explosion in its engine room. The incident occurred while the vessel was navigating south of Mallorca. According to a report by the Spanish newspaper La Verdad, officials are investigating the possibility that the ship was targeted by a submarine, potentially from a Western nation. The attack may have been aimed at preventing the delivery of two nuclear reactors allegedly being transported to North Korea.
The Ursa Major, which was built in 2009, was operated by Oboronlogistika, a company affiliated with the Russian Defence Ministry. Initially, the ship was reported to be en route to Vladivostok, carrying two large port cranes on its deck. However, the circumstances surrounding its sinking have raised serious concerns. Russia’s embassy in Spain has stated that it is investigating the incident and is in communication with Spanish authorities. Both Oboronlogistika and SK-Yug, the ship’s direct owner, have refrained from commenting on the situation. Notably, both companies, along with the Ursa Major itself, were sanctioned by the United States in 2022 due to their connections to Russia’s military operations.
Investigation Reveals Possible Military Connection
La Verdad’s report highlights that a breach on the starboard side of the Ursa Major corresponds with damage typically caused by a supercavitating torpedo equipped with a 500-millimeter warhead. Such torpedoes are utilized by various nations, including Russia, China, and some NATO countries. Spanish investigators are particularly focused on two blue containers located on the ship’s stern, which do not align with the cargo description provided by the vessel’s captain, Igor Anisimov.
Authorities suspect that these containers may have held two VM-4SG reactors intended for nuclear submarines. The original shipping plan indicated that the reactors were to be transported from St. Petersburg to the North Korean port of Arson, situated just a few kilometers from Vladivostok, the ship’s officially declared destination. This revelation has intensified scrutiny of the Ursa Major’s cargo and its implications for international security.
Norwegian flagged ship ignores rescuing sinking Russian vessel
Furthermore, maritime observer Michael J. Sánchez noted an increase in Russian ship traffic through the Strait of Gibraltar during the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026. Between December 30 and January 1, at least five Russian-flagged vessels, including two that are subject to international sanctions, traversed this critical maritime corridor. This uptick in activity has reignited discussions regarding the control and surveillance of the Strait of Gibraltar, emphasizing its strategic importance in global maritime operations.
