Official statements from Russian authorities or international investigative bodies

Russia Says 'Terrorist Act' Sank Ursa Major Cargo Ship; Two Crew Missing

Dec 25, 2024, 04:04 PM

A Russian cargo ship named Ursa Major sank in the Mediterranean Sea after an explosion, leaving two crew members missing, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry. Fourteen crew members were rescued and transported to the port of Cartagena, Murcia, Spain. The ship sank in international waters between Spain and Algeria on December 24th following an explosion in the engine room. Oboronlogistika, the state-owned company owned by the Russian Ministry of Defense, claimed that a 'terrorist act' caused the sinking, stating that three consecutive explosions occurred on the starboard side near the stern on December 23rd, causing a 25-degree list to starboard. The Ursa Major was reportedly on the US sanctions list and had been used to supply operations in Syria. Russian authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.