Sanctioned Russian Ship Was Sunk By “Terrorist Attack,” Owner Claims
Terrorist Attack Claims Sinking of Russian Freighter
A recent maritime incident near the Strait of Gibraltar has raised alarms after a Russian freighter sank, allegedly due to a terrorist attack. The ship, identified as the Ursa Major, was reportedly carrying heavy cargo when it met its tragic fate. The incident has drawn attention not only for the loss of the vessel but also for its implications in the ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding Russia’s military activities.
Details of the Incident
On Monday, between 10:50 AM and 12:30 PM, the Ursa Major was navigating east of the Strait of Gibraltar when it suffered a catastrophic explosion in its engine room. The ship, which was operated by the sanctioned Russian defense company Oboronlogistika, quickly began to list and ultimately sank. A Spanish Navy patrol ship, the Clara Campoamor, along with a nearby vessel, the Sparta, which is also sanctioned, rushed to assist the crew. Fortunately, 14 of the 16 crew members were rescued, but two remain missing.
The owner of the Ursa Major has claimed that the sinking was the result of a terrorist attack. According to Oboronlogistika, three successive explosions occurred on the starboard side of the vessel. Eyewitness accounts and video footage corroborate the claim that the ship was listing significantly before it sank. The company stated that the Ursa Major was carrying two large crawler cranes and 129 empty containers at the time of the incident. The cranes were reportedly intended for Vladivostok, although analysts express skepticism about this destination given the current military movements of Russian forces in the region.
Geopolitical Implications
The sinking of the Ursa Major comes at a time when Russian military operations are under scrutiny. The Russian forces are reportedly relocating from Syria, having evacuated all warships from their base at Tartus. The cranes aboard the Ursa Major could play a crucial role in this relocation effort, potentially aiding the Russian military in establishing a new operational base elsewhere. This incident raises questions about the security of maritime routes in the Mediterranean and the potential for further escalations in the region.
The U.S. Treasury had previously sanctioned the Ursa Major in May 2022 due to its connections with the Russian military. The vessel had a history of serving the Crimea-to-Tartus route, highlighting its strategic importance. The implications of this sinking extend beyond the immediate loss of the ship and crew; it underscores the ongoing tensions and risks associated with maritime operations linked to military activities. As investigations continue, the international community will be watching closely to see how this incident unfolds and what it means for regional stability.
