Russian Ship Ursa Major Sank With 2 Reactor Components Off Spain, Possibly Bound for North Korea
Updated
Updated · CNN · May 12
Russian Ship Ursa Major Sank With 2 Reactor Components Off Spain, Possibly Bound for North Korea
8 articles · Updated · CNN · May 12
Three explosions hit the Ursa Major off Spain on Dec. 23, 2024, killing two crew members before the Russian cargo ship sank; a Spanish probe cited by CNN says it was likely carrying components for two submarine-type nuclear reactors.
The investigation says the vessel’s stated Vladivostok route made little commercial sense and that its captain later told Spanish authorities he believed the cargo could be diverted to North Korea’s Rason port.
A 50cm-by-50cm inward-bent hole in the hull, plus four later blasts after the Russian escort ship Ivan Gren pushed rescuers back, have fueled suspicion of sabotage or a covert interdiction.
Russian spy ship Yantar later hovered over the wreck and more explosions were detected, while U.S. WC-135 nuclear-detection aircraft flew over the site twice, underscoring concern about the cargo and any radioactive traces.
If Moscow was sending reactor technology to Pyongyang, it would mark a major upgrade in Russia-North Korea military ties after at least 10,000 North Korean troops were deployed to support Russia’s war effort.
Who sank the Russian ship carrying nuclear reactors, and what secret weapon was used in the deep-sea attack?
With its nuclear transfer thwarted, how will this incident escalate the shadow war between Russia and the West on the high seas?
Two nuclear reactors now lie on the Mediterranean seabed. What is the true environmental risk they pose to Europe's coasts?
Sinking of the Ursa Major: How a Failed Russian Nuclear Transfer to North Korea Sparked Global Crisis
Overview
On December 23, 2024, the Russian cargo ship Ursa Major exploded and sank off the coast of Spain, with only 14 of 16 crew rescued and two missing. Although officially reported to be carrying empty containers and cranes from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok, analysts found the route suspicious and believed the true destination was North Korea. Intelligence suggested the ship was covertly transporting nuclear submarine reactors, deepening the mystery behind the unexplained explosions. The incident triggered international scrutiny, fueled speculation of deliberate intervention to prevent nuclear proliferation, and highlighted growing Russia-North Korea cooperation, raising serious concerns about global security and maritime safety.