Probe Deepens Into Ursa Major Sinking After Explosions
A Russian freighter that sank on Dec. 23, 2024 may have been carrying two submarine reactor components and now lies about 2,500 meters deep, prompting international scrutiny and technical hurdles to recovery.
Hot AirRussian Ship Likely Carrying 2 Nuclear Reactors Was Sunk in Mediterranean
Daily CallerREPORT: Cargo Ship That Sunk At Sea May Have Been Carrying Nuclear Sub Reactors
New York PostMystery of sunken Russian ‘ghost ship’ grows after explosions reported while carrying alleged nuclear reactors to North Korea
The GuardianRussian ship that sank near Spain may have been carrying nuclear reactors to North Korea
CNNA Russian ship sank in mysterious circumstances. It may have been carrying submarine nuclear reactors to North Korea | CNN
Overview
A Spanish investigation says the Russian cargo ship Ursa Major sank after three explosions on Dec. 23, 2024, and its captain told investigators it carried components for two submarine-style nuclear reactors.
The Ursa Major departed St. Petersburg on Dec. 11, 2024 listed for Vladivostok, but investigators said the route and undeclared "manhole covers" raised suspicions the cargo was destined for North Korea.
Spanish rescuers recovered 14 survivors and said two crew members died, and a source familiar with the probe said a Russian research ship later moored over the wreck and set off four explosions.
The ship's manifest listed 129 empty containers, two cranes and two "manhole covers," satellite images showed two blue containers of about 65 tonnes each, and the wreck lies roughly 2,500 meters deep, officials said.
Spanish officials said recovery of the wreck at about 2,500 meters would require significant technical resources, and public flight data show WC-135R aircraft overflew the site on Aug. 28, 2025 and Feb. 6.
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