Russian Ship Sinks Off Spain, Probably Heading to Syria to Evacuate Russian Military Bases

The Russian bulk carrier Ursa Major sank off the coast of Spain in the Mediterranean Sea between the Spanish city of Aguilas and the Algerian city of Oran after an explosion on board, the Spanish newspaper La Verdad reported.

The 14 crew members were taken to the port of Cartagena by the Spanish maritime rescue service. Two people are considered missing.

According to the newspaper's sources, an explosion occurred on the ship at about 12:30 on Monday, after which the ship heeled. This forced the area to be designated as dangerous for navigation until the arrival of a Russian warship, which took over the rescue.

Several vessels fishing in the same area took part in the rescue operation, and later specialists from the Spanish maritime rescue service joined in. 

Officially, the Ursa Major vessel was in transit from St Petersburg to Vladivostok. It set sail on 11 December and was due to arrive on 22 January.

The ship's captain stated that it was carrying containers that were empty at the time of the accident. 

However, OSINT analysts reported that five Russian cargo ships had recently entered the Mediterranean Sea: three military large amphibious assault ships and two dry cargo vessels belonging to the Oboronlogistika company. 

The Sparta and Ursa Major bulk carriers have been carrying cargo for the so-called Syrian Express, a supply route for Russian troops in Syria, for many years.

Analysts assumed that all five ships were intended to evacuate Russian military bases in Tartus and Hmeymim, Syria.