Russian Ship Sunk in 2024 Off Spain Suspected of Carrying Submarine Nuclear Reactor Parts
A Spanish government document reveals that a Russian cargo ship that sank in the Mediterranean in 2024 due to an engine room explosion might have been carrying nuclear reactor components for submarines. The captain reportedly testified to Spanish port authorities after being rescued, while Russia's state-owned company claims it was a 'terrorist attack.'
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- 📰 Published: May 13, 2026 at 21:40
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Central News Agency (Madrid 13th comprehensive foreign news report) A Spanish government document shows that a Russian cargo ship that sank in the Mediterranean in 2024 due to an engine room explosion might have been carrying nuclear reactor components for submarines.
The Associated Press reported that a Russian cargo ship named 'Ursa Major' sank in the Mediterranean waters between Spain and Algeria on December 23, 2024. The ship was en route from St. Petersburg to the Russian Far Eastern port of Vladivostok.
This incident resulted in two crew members missing, while 14 others were rescued by a Spanish rescue vessel.
It is now reported that the Russian captain of the Ursa Major told Spanish port authorities after being rescued that the ship was carrying nuclear reactor components for submarines.
According to the Spanish government's written response to opposition lawmakers, the captain 'confessed' that the ship was carrying 'components for two nuclear reactors, with specifications similar to those used in submarines.'
This response was recorded in a Spanish parliamentary document on February 23, and CNN reported related content yesterday. The Associated Press also saw this document.
When the sinking occurred, the Russian state-owned company 'Oboronlogistika,' which owned the ship, stated that the Ursa Major was sabotaged. Oboronlogistika said that three strong explosions caused damage to the hull near the waterline and called it a 'terrorist attack.'
Oboronlogistika was established by the Russian Ministry of Defense and is on the sanction lists of the United States and Europe due to its ties to the Russian military. (Compiler: Hung Pei-ying) 1150513
The Associated Press reported that a Russian cargo ship named 'Ursa Major' sank in the Mediterranean waters between Spain and Algeria on December 23, 2024. The ship was en route from St. Petersburg to the Russian Far Eastern port of Vladivostok.
This incident resulted in two crew members missing, while 14 others were rescued by a Spanish rescue vessel.
It is now reported that the Russian captain of the Ursa Major told Spanish port authorities after being rescued that the ship was carrying nuclear reactor components for submarines.
According to the Spanish government's written response to opposition lawmakers, the captain 'confessed' that the ship was carrying 'components for two nuclear reactors, with specifications similar to those used in submarines.'
This response was recorded in a Spanish parliamentary document on February 23, and CNN reported related content yesterday. The Associated Press also saw this document.
When the sinking occurred, the Russian state-owned company 'Oboronlogistika,' which owned the ship, stated that the Ursa Major was sabotaged. Oboronlogistika said that three strong explosions caused damage to the hull near the waterline and called it a 'terrorist attack.'
Oboronlogistika was established by the Russian Ministry of Defense and is on the sanction lists of the United States and Europe due to its ties to the Russian military. (Compiler: Hung Pei-ying) 1150513