Russian vessel with suspected nuclear reactor components for North Korea sank after explosions off Spain – CNN

The Russian cargo ship Ursa Major, which may have been carrying components for two nuclear submarine reactors likely destined for North Korea, sank following a series of mysterious explosions in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Spain. This was reported by CNN, according to UNN.

The vessel may have been carrying nuclear reactor components

Spanish authorities officially confirmed that the ship's captain told investigators they were transporting "components for two nuclear reactors, similar to those used in submarines."

At the same time, he stated that he did not know whether they contained nuclear fuel.

According to CNN, the vessel may have been heading to the North Korean port of Rason. Journalists note that the route raised suspicions because the Ursa Major was transporting cargo by sea between two Russian ports despite the existence of a rail link across all of Russia.

Explosions and sinking of the vessel

According to the investigation, three explosions occurred on board near the engine room on December 23, 2024. As a result, two crew members were killed.

Following the evacuation of the sailors, the Russian warship Ivan Gren ordered other vessels to maintain a distance of two nautical miles from the Ursa Major.

Subsequently, four more explosions were heard in the area of the accident. The Spanish seismic service recorded signals similar to mine detonations or underwater explosions.

A few hours later, the vessel sank.

American aircraft inspected the crash site

CNN reports that after the ship sank, American radiation detection aircraft were recorded flying over the site of the accident twice.

Additionally, a week after the disaster, a vessel arrived at the wreckage that Spanish investigators believe to be a likely Russian spy ship.

Russia claims a "terrorist attack"

The ship's owner—Oboronlogistics, a company linked to the Russian state—claimed that the Ursa Major was the victim of a "targeted terrorist attack."

The company reported a 50 by 50 centimeter hole in the hull and debris on the ship's deck.

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