A Russian cargo ship that sank in the Mediterranean Sea last December may have been transporting components for nuclear reactors designed for use in submarines, according to a Spanish government document obtained by The Associated Press.
Incident Details
The vessel, identified as the Ursa Major, went down on December 23, 2024, between Spain and Algeria. The ship was reportedly en route from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok in Russia's far east when an explosion in its engine room caused it to sink. Two crew members were lost in the incident, while 14 others were rescued by a Spanish salvage vessel.
Captain's Confession
Following the rescue, the Russian captain of the Ursa Major informed Spanish port authorities that the ship was carrying parts for nuclear reactors suitable for use in submarines. In a written response to opposition lawmakers, the Spanish government stated that the captain "confessed" to transporting "components for two nuclear reactors similar to those used in submarines." This response was included in a document registered by the Spanish parliament on February 23 and later reported by CNN.
Russian Owner's Claims
The ship's owner, Oboronlogistika, a Russian state-owned company, initially claimed that the Ursa Major had been sabotaged. The company stated that three powerful explosions damaged the vessel just above the waterline, describing the event as a "terrorist attack." Oboronlogistika was established under Russia's defense ministry and has been placed under US and European Union sanctions due to its ties to the Russian military.
