A Russian vessel sank off the coast of Spain following an explosion.

On Monday, December 23, 14 sailors were rescued from the Russian ship Ursa Major, which sank in the Mediterranean Sea, while 2 are considered missing. This was reported by the Spanish publication La Verdad.

In international waters between the Spanish port of Aguilas and the Algerian port of Oran, an explosion occurred in the engine room of the cargo ship Ursa Major, causing it to slow down, deviate from its course, and then begin to list. Fourteen sailors were transported to the port of Cartagena in Spain, while 2 are still missing.

“Several fishing vessels in the area undertook the rescue efforts. Later, specialists from the Spanish maritime rescue service joined them,” the report states.

Ursa Major was operated by a subsidiary of the Russian defense company "Oboronlogistika." It served as a crucial supply route to the Russian fleet base in Tartus, Syria.

On December 23, OSINT analysts reported that five Russian cargo ships had entered the Mediterranean Sea: three military large landing ships and two cargo vessels. It is likely that all of them were intended for the evacuation of Russian bases in Tartus and Khmeimim, Syria.

At the same time, OSINT analyst Oliver Alexander noted that the cargo ship was heading to Vladivostok, not to assist in the evacuation of Tartus. The vessel was carrying two Liebherr 420 mobile cranes for the port in Vladivostok and two 45-ton hatches for the construction of a new nuclear icebreaker of project 10510 “Leader.”

“Given the cargo it was carrying, this is actually even worse for Russia than if it were heading to Tartus,” the analyst added.

Additionally, on Monday, Ukrainian intelligence reported that the cargo ship Sparta, which Russia had sent to transport its weapons and equipment from Syria, broke down while in motion.

Recall that on Sunday, December 15, two Russian tankers, “Volgoneft-212” and “Volgoneft-239,” which were transporting petroleum products, including fuel oil, began to sink near the Kerch Strait. They were reportedly damaged by high waves at sea.

On December 17, the Russians reported an accident involving a third tanker near the Kerch Strait.