A Russian cargo ship, Ursa Major, sank in international waters in the Mediterranean following an explosion in its engine room. The incident occurred between Spain and Algeria, as reported by Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on December 24, 2024.
Fourteen of the ship's sixteen crew members were rescued and transported to Spain, while two remain unaccounted for. The vessel, launched in 2009 and operated by Oboronlogistika, was reportedly en route to Vladivostok, carrying two large port cranes.
The cause of the explosion has not been disclosed. Unverified video footage showed the ship listing heavily before it sank. The Ursa Major departed from Saint Petersburg on December 11 and was last tracked sending signals on December 23.
Rescue operations involved several vessels, including a Spanish Navy ship, with crew members evacuated to the port of Cartagena. The ship was expected to reach Vladivostok by January 22, 2025.