Mediterranean Archives

Russian Cargo Ship Sinks in Mediterranean Following Onboard Explosion, Crew Rescued Amid Unclear Circumstances

MOSCOW, Russia — A Russian cargo vessel, Ursa Major, sank in the Mediterranean Sea this weekend following an explosion in its engine rooms, the Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed on Saturday. The incident, which occurred on Friday just after noon between Spain and Algeria, has led to a pronounced shipping hazard in one of the region’s busiest maritime lanes. The vessel, reportedly involved in transporting military equipment, experienced a catastrophic list shortly after the explosion. Rescue …

Explosion Rocks Russian Cargo Ship in Mediterranean: Systemic Maintenance Issues Cited Amid Sinking Incident

Kyiv, Ukraine – The sinking of the Russian cargo ship Ursa Major in the Mediterranean Sea has raised concerns over the state of Russia’s maritime fleet, according to Ukrainian Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk. During a televised interview on December 24, Pletenchuk highlighted maintenance issues that he described as “systemic,” affecting both civilian and military vessels. The Ursa Major met its fate on December 23 following an explosion on board, which occurred in the ship’s engine …

Russian-Owned Cargo Ship Ursa Major Destroyed by Suspected Terrorist Attack in Mediterranean, Two Crew Members Missing

MOSCOW, Russia — The Russian state enterprise Oboronlogistika, linked to the country’s Defense Ministry, stated an explosion that sank one of its cargo ships, the Ursa Major, in the Mediterranean Sea was the result of a terrorist attack. The firm suspects the December 23 incident targeted the vessel, which led to the loss of the ship and two crew members currently reported as missing. Officials provided details confirming that the Ursa Major suffered significant damage …

Russian Cargo Ship Sinks in Mediterranean After Engine Explosion, Two Crew Members Missing

Madrid, Spain — A Russian cargo ship, the Ursa Major, tragically sank in the Mediterranean Sea amid tumultuous circumstances between Spain and Algeria, leaving two crew members unaccounted for, as announced by Spanish maritime rescue services. The vessel met its demise late Monday following an explosion reported in its engine room, leading to a precarious tilt and eventual sinking near midnight. Upon receiving a distress signal early Monday afternoon, approximately 57 nautical miles from Almería, …