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Russian Cargo Ship Ursa Major Sinks with Suspected Nuclear Components Near Spain

Russian Cargo Ship Ursa Major Sinks with Suspected Nuclear Components Near Spain

First seen 12 May 2026, 06:03 UTC • •
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ThreatCluster AI
ThreatCluster •May 13, 2026 at 05:25 UTC
  • •The Ursa Major sank after explosions, possibly linked to Western military actions.
  • •The ship was reportedly carrying components for nuclear reactors destined for North Korea.
  • •Spanish authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the sinking and subsequent explosions.

The Russian cargo ship Ursa Major sank in the Mediterranean Sea on December 23, 2024, after suffering multiple explosions, possibly linked to a Western military intervention aimed at preventing nuclear technology transfer to North Korea. The ship was reportedly carrying components for two nuclear submarine reactors, raising significant geopolitical concerns. Spanish authorities confirmed that the ship's captain admitted to transporting nuclear reactor components, although he was unsure if they contained nuclear fuel. The vessel had been tracked by US military aircraft designed to detect nuclear material, and a suspected Russian spy ship visited the wreck shortly after the sinking, leading to further explosions. The incident has been described as a potential targeted attack, with implications for international security and nuclear proliferation. Investigations are ongoing, with evidence suggesting the use of advanced weaponry to breach the ship's hull.

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Timeline

2024-12-11
Ursa Major departs St. Petersburg
The ship left port bound for Vladivostok, officially carrying non-dangerous cargo.
CNN
2024-12-22
Ursa Major issues distress call
The ship reported a distress signal after suffering three explosions near its engine room, killing two crew members.
CNN
2024-12-23
Ursa Major sinks
The ship sank in the Mediterranean Sea, approximately 60 miles off the coast of Spain, after a series of explosions.
CNN
2024-12-30
Russian spy ship visits wreck site
A suspected Russian spy ship arrived at the wreckage, leading to further explosions detected by Spanish authorities.
CNN
2025-08-28
US nuclear detection aircraft fly over wreck
US military aircraft designed to detect nuclear material flew over the wreck site, indicating ongoing concerns about nuclear proliferation.
CNN
2026-02-06
Second US flight over wreck site
A second flight by US nuclear detection aircraft occurred, reflecting continued monitoring of the incident's implications.
CNN

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