A Russian cargo ship tied to the country’s Defense Ministry sank in the Mediterranean Sea following an explosion in its engine room, leaving two crew members missing. The ship, named the Ursa Major, was reportedly on its way to Vladivostok, carrying two large port cranes and empty containers, according to the crew. The incident occurred about 57 miles off the coast of Spain.

Spanish rescue crews initially responded to the distress signal, rescuing 14 crew members and bringing them to safety in Cartagena. However, a Russian warship later arrived at the scene to take over operations. Video footage released on social media shows the vessel heavily listing before sinking.

The Ursa Major is operated by a company under U.S. sanctions for its ties to Russia’s military. Ukrainian intelligence has raised suspicions about the ship’s activities, claiming it may have been transporting military equipment from Russian bases in Syria following the collapse of Bashar Assad’s regime.

These allegations, if true, could point to efforts by Russia to withdraw military assets from the region. Moscow has not yet commented on whether it will withdraw from Syria.

In a related development, another Russian vessel, the Sparta, reportedly broke down near Portugal. Ukrainian officials say it was en route to Syria to collect additional military equipment. The crew repaired the issue, and the ship has since resumed its journey.

The incidents come on the heels of another maritime loss for Russia — its third oil tanker sank in the Black Sea less than a week ago. Together, these events are drawing attention to Russia’s maritime activities, and raising questions about its ability to maintain a military presence beyond its borders.

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