Ursa Major Sinking: Terrorist Attack Suspected by Russia
A distressing incident occurred this week in the Mediterranean Sea, where the cargo ship Ursa Major reportedly sank due to what Russian state-owned company Oboronlogistika is describing as a “terrorist act.” The company announced on Wednesday that it believes a targeted attack was executed on December 23, 2024, against the vessel. Despite this claim, no specific group has been identified as responsible for the attack, and motives remain unclear.
The ship sank in international waters near Spain early on Tuesday after it had sent out a distress signal the previous day. Oboronlogistika, which operates under the auspices of the Russian defense ministry, reported that the ship experienced three consecutive explosions before it began taking on water. However, the company has yet to provide any substantial evidence to confirm its assertion that a terrorist act led to the sinking.
Details of the Incident
On the day of the sinking, the Russian foreign ministry’s crisis unit reported via Telegram that the Ursa Major went down following an explosion in its engine room. Of the 16 Russian crew members on board, 14 were successfully rescued and transported to the Spanish port of Cartagena, while two crew members remain unaccounted for.
In response to the incident, Russia’s Investigative Committee has initiated an inquiry into possible breaches of maritime safety regulations. This investigation comes shortly after a similar maritime mishap where another Russian tanker partially submerged in the strait between Crimea and southern Russia, causing a significant oil spill.
Rescue Operations and Aftermath
The Ursa Major issued a distress signal on Monday morning as it was caught in adverse weather conditions off the southeastern coast of Spain, indicating that the ship was listing and that crew members had launched a lifeboat. The Spanish coastguard promptly dispatched a helicopter and rescue boats, managing to bring the survivors safely to shore.
A Russian warship later took command of the rescue operation, given the ship’s location straddling Spanish and Algerian waters. Unfortunately, the Ursa Major sank overnight, raising further concerns about maritime safety in the region.
Specifications and Cargo of the Ursa Major
The Ursa Major, measuring 124.7 meters (409 feet) in length, is a general cargo ship owned by a subsidiary of Oboronlogistika, which is involved in both defense and civilian transport logistics. Prior to its sinking, the vessel was en route from Saint Petersburg to Vladivostok, carrying heavy cargo, including cranes and hatch covers for icebreakers.
Oboronlogistika had previously issued a press release highlighting the ship’s cargo, which was part of state efforts to enhance port facilities and navigate the northern sea route through the Arctic. This operation emphasizes the company’s extensive experience in transporting oversized equipment by sea.
International Repercussions and Sanctions
The Ursa Major’s operations come under scrutiny given that the U.S. imposed sanctions on Oboronlogistika in 2022 for providing transportation services to Crimea, which is under Russian occupation. These sanctions mean that any U.S. entity that engages with the company or its vessels risks facing penalties.
Moreover, reports from Ukraine’s military intelligence suggest that the Ursa Major has been utilized to supply Russian forces in Syria, where Russia maintains a naval base in Tartus. The future of these operations may be uncertain following the changing political landscape in the region, particularly with the diminished power of Moscow ally Bashar al-Assad.
