On October 9, 2023, the Russian cargo ship Ursa Major sank in the Mediterranean Sea after experiencing a catastrophic explosion in its engine room. The incident occurred between the coasts of Spain and Algeria, as confirmed by the Russian foreign ministry. This tragic event has raised concerns not only due to the loss of the ship but also regarding the fate of the crew members aboard.
Following the explosion, a valiant rescue operation managed to save 14 crew members, who were subsequently transported to the Spanish port of Cartagena. Sadly, two crew members remain unaccounted for, raising fears about their safety and survival in the turbulent waters. The Ursa Major had set sail from St. Petersburg a mere 12 days prior to the disaster, embarking on a journey that was supposed to lead it to Vladivostok in Russia’s Far East. It was reportedly carrying two hefty cranes, each weighing around 380 tonnes, intended for use at the port. However, independent verification of its intended destination remains elusive.
Adding complexity to the incident, it is worth noting that Ursa Major was navigating the same waters as another sanctioned Russian vessel, Sparta. Both ships were seen traversing through the English Channel weeks ago, suggesting they may have been under some form of naval escort. Prior reports from Ukrainian military intelligence indicated that Sparta was headed to the Russian naval base located in Tartous, Syria, ostensibly to transport military equipment away from Syria, particularly in light of the recent political transitions in that region.
A Kremlin official provided insights earlier in the week, affirming that Russia has maintained communication with the newly established authorities in Syria regarding the future status of their military facilities in the region. This suggests a level of strategic planning on Russia’s part, indicating that the naval bases play a crucial role in its military operations. It is particularly pertinent that Ursa Major and its operator, Oboronlogistika, have a documented history of transporting cargo to Tartous, underlining the importance of these vessels in maintaining supply lines for the Russian military.
Reports indicated that another Russian vessel, Sparta, had encountered mechanical issues off the coast of Portugal just days before the accident involving Ursa Major, yet it was quickly repaired. There was some confusion surrounding the names of the vessels, as Ursa Major was also identified by the name Sparta III. This duality in identification could lead to misunderstandings regarding the reported locations and conditions of each ship.
While the specific causes of the explosion that led to Ursa Major’s sinking remain a mystery, unconfirmed video footage circulated online appeared to show the ship severely listing just before it succumbed to the sea. Built in 2009, the vessel was placed under sanctions following Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. These sanctions were primarily due to Oboronlogistika’s involvement in the supply chain supporting the Russian military operations.
Oboronlogistika, the owner of Ursa Major, described the cargo ship as a flagship of its fleet, indicating its significance to the company’s operations. The ship carried not only the cranes destined for Vladivostok but also additional cargo, including 45-tonne hatch covers meant for icebreakers. The loss of the Ursa Major represents not just a tragic maritime incident but also underscores ongoing geopolitical tensions, especially pertaining to Russia’s military movements and international sanctions. The implications of this sinking thus might reverberate far beyond the immediate loss of the vessel and its crew, highlighting the fragile balance of power and the maritime logistics that fuel ongoing conflicts.
