A Russian cargo vessel, the Ursa Major, sank under mysterious circumstances approximately 60 miles off the coast of Spain following a series of explosions on December 23, 2024, according to a CNN investigation. The ship is believed to have been transporting components for two nuclear reactors intended for submarines, with a possible final destination of North Korea.
Background of the Vessel
The Ursa Major, also known as Sparta 3 and previously utilized in Russia's military operations in Syria, departed from Russia on December 11. It initially docked at Ust-Luga in the Gulf of Finland and later at St. Petersburg. The public manifest listed Vladivostok as its destination and included cargo such as two large manhole covers, 129 empty shipping containers, and two large Liebherr cranes. In October, the ship's owner, Oboronlogistics, stated that its vessels had received licenses to transport nuclear material.
Loading and Voyage
Time-lapse footage analyzed by CNN revealed containers being loaded into the hull at Ust-Luga, with a gap left below where the manhole covers would later be placed. Spanish investigators later suggested that the cranes might have been included to facilitate the delivery of sensitive cargo at the destination. The ship then proceeded along the French coast, tracked by Portuguese Navy aircraft and vessels through their waters. Two Russian military ships, the Ivan Gren and Aleksandr Otrakovsky, provided escort. On December 22, the Portuguese navy ceased tracking the vessel.
The Incident
Approximately four hours later, in Spanish waters, the ship slowed sharply, prompting Spanish rescuers to radio and inquire about its status. The crew reported that everything was fine. However, about 24 hours later, the ship deviated from its course and at 11:53 a.m. UTC on December 23, issued a distress call after suffering three explosions on its starboard side, likely near the engine room. Two crew members were killed. The vessel listed heavily and became immobile, as later video footage showed.
Rescue and Aftermath
The 14 surviving crew members evacuated in a lifeboat and were rescued by the Spanish salvage vessel Salvamar Draco. At 7:27 p.m., a Spanish military vessel arrived on the scene. Shortly after, the Russian escort ship Ivan Gren ordered nearby vessels to stay two nautical miles away and requested the return of the rescued crew. Spanish maritime rescue authorities insisted on conducting a rescue operation and sent a helicopter to inspect the ship. At 9:50 p.m., the Ivan Gren fired red flares over the area. Four explosions followed, and seismic data recorded four matching signals at the same time and location, consistent with underwater mines or quarry blasts, according to the Spanish National Seismic Network. By 11:10 p.m., the Ursa Major was reported sunk.
Investigation Findings
The Spanish government released a statement on February 23 after pressure from opposition lawmakers. It said the ship's Russian captain told investigators the vessel was carrying components for two nuclear reactors similar to those used in submarines, and it was unclear whether they contained nuclear fuel. A source familiar with the investigation said the captain, identified as Igor Anisimov, believed the ship was being diverted to the North Korean port of Rason. The Spanish inquiry questioned the unusual route, noting the availability of rail transport across Russia, and suggested the cranes were intended to assist delivery of sensitive cargo upon arrival. The ship's crew was later returned to Russia.
Reactions and Further Developments
Four days after the sinking, Oboronlogistics described the event as a targeted terrorist attack and said there were three blasts. It reported a 50 cm by 50 cm hole in the hull with metal bent inward and stated, The deck of the vessel was strewn with shrapnel. A week after the sinking, a Russian military vessel, the Yantar—a research ship accused of espionage activity in NATO waters—arrived over the wreck and remained in the area for five days. During this period, four further explosions were detected, possibly targeting the wreck on the seabed. Tracking data also showed the Yantar had been in the region, including a position ping about 20 km from the ship's last known location.
Current Status of the Wreck
The wreck of the Ursa Major lies at a depth of about 2,500 meters (8,202 feet) in the Mediterranean Sea. Spanish authorities said recovering its data recorder is not possible without significant technical resources and risks. Some experts questioned this assessment given the absence of confirmed radioactive material.
