An accident on the Russian ship Sparta is likely to have occurred in the English Channel
14.08.2025 - 14:05
The Russians sent an escort destroyer to help the support vessel.
On the morning of August 12, a convoy of Russian vessels — the roller ship Sparta and the tanker Skobelev — experienced a possible technical failure while passing through the English Channel. This was reported by the Russian Forces Spotter OSINT project.
Both vessels were escorted by the large anti-submarine ship Admiral Kulakov.
According to researchers, the Sparta suddenly left the traffic separation scheme in Lyme Bay. At this point, the Skobelev reduced speed and remained almost motionless for several hours, which may indicate technical malfunctions on board the Sparta.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time that the Sparta has encountered such situations:
• in December 2024, the ship suffered a fuel line failure, which was being repaired right at sea,
• in February 2025, the convoy made a forced technical stop near Malta.
After the probable malfunction was eliminated, the convoy continued its movement and is currently in the North Sea, heading towards the Baltic Sea.
USM previously reported that Russia may lose the route for exporting stolen grain due to the court with Syria.
