The russian cargo ship Ursa Major (also known as "Sparta-3"), which may have been carrying nuclear reactor components for submarines, sank following a series of explosions approximately 60 miles off the coast of Spain. The incident occurred on December 23, 2024, and remains the subject of an international investigation, CNN reports.
"The extraordinary fate of the Ursa Major has been shrouded in secrecy since it sank on December 23, 2024. But it may mark a rare and high-stakes intervention by a Western military to prevent Russia from sending an upgrade in nuclear technology to a key ally, North Korea, CNN reporting suggests," the report states.
According to Spanish investigators, the ship sent out a distress signal after three explosions were heard on the starboard side. As a result, two crew members were killed, and another 14 people were evacuated. The ship subsequently capsized and sank. Experts identified a 50-by-50-centimeter hole in the hull.
"A 50cm by 50cm (20 inch by 20 inch) hole was found in the vessel’s hull, the damaged metal facing inwards," according to materials from the ship’s owner.
Defense intelligence analyst Mike Plunkett, commenting on the nature of the damage, noted: “It sounds like a shaped-charge explosive that was placed against the hull by somebody or something.”
During the investigation, the ship’s captain acknowledged that components of two nuclear reactors, similar to those used in submarines, may have been on board.
"They did not contain nuclear fuel," according to the captain’s testimony cited by the Spanish government.
According to investigators, the final destination may have been the North Korean port of Rason. Currently, the ship’s wreckage lies at a depth of about 2,500 meters.
"Nowadays black boxes usually float to the surface with a locator so they can be found in any accident. I think someone has the black box. But we don’t know whether it’s Spain or if the Russians themselves have located it," said Spanish MP Juan Antonio Rojas Manrique regarding the search for evidence.
As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, discussions centered on money, food, and technology for the missile program. Experts noted that North Korea would ask russia to provide troops.
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