Cargo Ship Sinks in Mediterranean After Engine Room Explosion

A Russian cargo ship named the Ursa Major sank in the Mediterranean Sea after an explosion in the engine room, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry. The incident occurred between Spain and Algeria, and two crew members are currently missing. The ship, which was built in 2009, was under the control of Oboronlogistika, a company associated with the Russian Defense Ministry’s military construction operations. Prior to the sinking, the Ursa Major was en route to the Russian Far Eastern port of Vladivostok, carrying two large harbor cranes on its deck.

The specific cause of the explosion in the engine room has not been confirmed, leading to the loss of the Russian cargo ship in the Mediterranean. With two crew members still unaccounted for, the situation is of concern to Russian authorities. The Ursa Major was a significant vessel operated by Oboronlogistika, known for transporting goods for the Russian Defense Ministry. The ship’s intended destination was Vladivostok, where it was scheduled to deliver the harbor cranes before encountering the tragic incident at sea.

The sinking of the Ursa Major has raised questions about the safety and security measures aboard Russian cargo ships operating in international waters. The Russian Foreign Ministry is closely monitoring the situation and providing updates on the search for the missing crew members. The Ursa Major’s loss is a significant setback for Oboronlogistika and the Russian Defense Ministry’s military construction operations, highlighting the risks involved in maritime transportation.

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