Russian Vessel Ursa Major Sinks Following Engine Explosion Near Spain: Real or Ukrainian Disinformation?

Ukrainian report claim Spanish authorities rescue 14 crew members; 2 remain missing amid concerns over Russian maritime operations
  • Defensemirror.com bureau
  • 07:24 AM, December 24, 2024
  • 5348
Russian Vessel Ursa Major Sinks Following Engine Explosion Near Spain: Real or Ukrainian Disinformation?
Russian cargo ship Ursa Major @via X

The Russian cargo ship Ursa Major reportedly sank off the coast of Spain on December 23, after an explosion in its engine room.

The vessel, reportedly involved in evacuating Russian military equipment from Syria, had been drifting southward in the Mediterranean at reduced speed before the incident, Ukrainian media reported quoting the country's intelligence Directorate.

However, there is no information regarding this incident from the Russian government or the Russian media.  Earlier, too, Ukrainian Intelligence directorate had spread false news that the cargo ship Sparta, a sister ship of the Ursa Major had broken down while moving. It had provided "details": the ship's main engine fuel line allegedly failed, and that the ship was drifting in the open sea near Portugal.

In May 2022, the U.S. imposed sanctions on Ursa Major for its involvement in transporting military equipment for Russian troops in Syria. The vessel is owned by the sanctioned Russian shipping company SK-South LLC, a subsidiary of Oboronlogistika LLC, which is also under U.S. sanctions.

Spanish maritime rescue units, including the Clara Campoamor and Salvamar Draco, saved 14 crew members from the sinking vessel, though two remain unaccounted for. Marine traffic monitors had earlier indicated that the Ursa Major was traveling under the Russian flag, moving at a speed of approximately 1 knot. However this is yet to be confrimed from any official Spanish source.

Other vessels near Ursa Major after the accident included the Spanish military ship P 71, a Spanish tug, and the Russian cargo ship Sparta, also sanctioned by the U.S. for similar reasons.

The ship, previously registered as Sparta III, was reportedly part of a Russian convoy transporting military assets from Syria as Moscow continues withdrawing from its bases in the region. Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) claimed that the convoy includes other vessels, such as the cargo ship Sparta and military transport ships Ivan Gren and Aleksandr Otrakovskiy.

The incident highlights questions about the condition of Russian maritime vessels, especially those involved in sensitive operations. According to HUR, Russian forces are downsizing their presence in Syria, retaining only two bases: the Khmeimim airbase and Tartus naval base.

This development comes amid broader geopolitical changes in the Middle East following the ousting of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad. Rebel authorities are reportedly negotiating the closure of remaining Russian bases by February 2025, a move expected to impact Russia's strategic interests in the region.

Meanwhile, the Sparta remains stranded near Portugal due to a reported fuel pipe failure. Its crew is attempting repairs, and the vessel is drifting in the open sea. Observers note that the breakdown and sinking of these ships underline the challenges Russia faces in its military logistics.

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