A Russian cargo vessel carrying strategic components for Moscow's nuclear naval program has mysteriously sunk in the Mediterranean Sea.
The Ursa Major, a vessel already under Western sanctions, experienced what Russian officials described as a "mysterious engine explosion" near Algerian territorial waters. The incident has raised questions about possible sabotage, though no evidence has emerged linking the sinking to external actors.
Spanish maritime authorities confirmed that fourteen crew members were rescued and transported to the port of Cartagena in southern Spain, while search efforts continue for two missing sailors. The humanitarian rescue operation highlighted the international maritime community's commitment to saving lives at sea, regardless of geopolitical tensions.
According to maritime tracking data and Russian state media, the vessel was undertaking a significant journey from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok, carrying specialized cranes and equipment crucial for Russia's nuclear icebreaker program. The cargo was reportedly destined for Russia's Far East shipyards, where Moscow is developing what it claims will be the world's most advanced nuclear-powered icebreaker fleet.
Adding to the intrigue, unconfirmed reports suggested the vessel may have been planning an undeclared stop at Russia's naval facility in Tartus, Syria, potentially linked to Moscow's reported drawdown of forces following recent developments in the Syrian civil war. However, official shipping manifests show no planned stops in Syrian ports.
The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed the sinking on Tuesday morning but provided limited details about the cause of the explosion or the exact nature of the cargo. The incident occurs amid heightened scrutiny of Russian maritime activities in the Mediterranean, particularly concerning the transport of military-related equipment under international sanctions.
While Ukrainian intelligence services issued a statement about a different Russian vessel experiencing technical difficulties near Portugal, they have not claimed any involvement in the Ursa Major incident. The sinking represents a significant loss for Russia's maritime logistics capabilities, particularly as Moscow seeks to maintain its naval modernization programs despite international sanctions.
Maritime experts note that the loss of specialized equipment for nuclear vessel construction could delay Russia's ambitious plans for expanding its nuclear-powered fleet, crucial for maintaining its presence in Arctic waters and projecting power globally.
Channel 12 contributed to this article.
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