The Russian vessel Ursa Major sank in the Mediterranean Sea following an explosion: here’s what we know.

The Russian vessel Ursa Major, which was transporting strategic cargo, sank in the Mediterranean Sea following an explosion in its engine room.

This was reported by RBK-Ukraine, citing "Crimean Wind".

According to tracking services, the ship stopped around 20:25 Moscow time (19:25 Kyiv time). The Spanish rescue vessel SALVAMAR DRACO SAR immediately approached, but after the explosion, the AIS system of Ursa Major ceased to function.

It is reported that the vessel sank around midnight. The vessel CLARA CAMPOAMOR was dispatched to the accident site to collect spilled oil products.

It is noted that the crew of Ursa Major was evacuated to the port of Cartagena.

As "Crimean Wind" pointed out, earlier the Main Intelligence Directorate reported technical malfunctions on Ursa Major, particularly a failure of the main fuel line. Despite the assumption that the vessel was heading to Syria for the evacuation of Russian equipment, it turned out that its course was directed towards Vladivostok.

The monitoring group stated that there was strategic cargo on board - two 45-ton hatches for the nuclear reactor of the icebreaker project 10510 "Leader".

It is noted that these parts, covered with blue tarpaulin, were seen in the photos. Their loss could significantly delay the construction of the icebreaker.

Photo: monitoring images (t.me Crimeanwind)

Recall that recently a Russian oil tanker sank in the Black Sea.

We also previously reported that there was smoke observed in the Russian port of Tuapse following explosions on the night of November 29.