Russian vessel that sank off Spain could have been transporting nuclear reactors to North Korea

The Ursa Major cargo ship could be carrying components for nuclear submarine reactors, likely destined for North Korea.

This is according to a CNN investigation.

The Russian cargo vessel “Ursa Major” (Sparta III) sank in late December 2024 after a series of explosions in the Mediterranean Sea about 60 miles off the coast of Spain.

According to the publication, the ship could be carrying components for two nuclear submarine reactors. The Spanish government confirmed that the ship’s captain told investigators about the cargo of “components for two nuclear reactors, similar to those used in submarines.” At the same time, the captain allegedly did not know whether they contained nuclear fuel.

CNN notes that the cargo ship could be heading to North Korea. The Ursa Major set sail just two months after the DPRK sent its troops to support the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The circumstances of the sinking of the ship remain unknown. According to the Spanish investigation, the hull of the dry cargo ship could have been damaged by a torpedo. A CNN source familiar with the case materials claims that three explosions occurred on board in the engine room area.

The ship departed from the port of Ust-Luga on December 11, 2024. The official destination was Vladivostok. According to the documents, there were two large Liebherr cranes, 129 empty containers and two large “hatch” on board. At the same time, CNN draws attention to the fact that the owner company Oboronlogistika received a license to transport nuclear materials a few months before the voyage.

During the passage across the Atlantic, the ship was accompanied by the Russian warships Ivan Gren and Alexander Otrakovsky. On December 23, the Ursa Major sent a distress signal after a series of explosions on the starboard side.

Two crew members died as a result of the incident. Another 14 sailors were evacuated by Spanish rescuers. Later, the Russian warship Ivan Gren demanded that civilian vessels stay away from the accident area and asked to immediately hand over the rescued crew.

CNN also reports increased military activity around the sinking site. According to journalists, American reconnaissance aircraft specializing in monitoring nuclear facilities flew over the area twice.

Also, a week after the accident, a ship arrived at the wreckage, which Spanish investigators believe to be a Russian reconnaissance ship. According to a CNN source, four more explosions occurred nearby.