Hole Found in Sunken Russian Cargo Ship Ursa Major, Sabotage Suspected

Investigators examining the sinking of the Russian cargo ship Ursa Major in the Mediterranean Sea have identified a 50 by 50-centimeter hole with inward-torn edges, fueling suspicions of sabotage.

The ship sank earlier this week after three explosions struck its starboard side. The hole, located above the waterline and surrounded by scattered debris, points to external damage likely caused by an explosive device, Russian state-owned media reported.

Oboronlogistika, the ship's owner and a firm tied to Russia's defense ministry, called the incident an “act of terrorism.”

Experts noted that the torn edges of the hole were consistent with a force applied externally, intensifying concerns of a deliberate attack. The hole's position—15 to 30 centimeters above sea level—has also drawn scrutiny for its precision, suggesting advanced planning.

The 142-meter vessel, capable of carrying 9,500 tons, was transporting two 380-ton cranes for Vladivostok. It sank 67 miles off Spain's coast and 45 miles from Algeria. The ship’s deck was littered with fragments from the explosions, reinforcing sabotage theories.

Oboronlogistika’s terrorism claims come amid increased pressure on Russian shipping routes. The company and its fleet have been under U.S. sanctions since 2022 due to their military affiliations. However, Moscow has refrained from naming specific actors behind the incident.

Ukrainian officials, while denying involvement, have highlighted vulnerabilities in Russia’s maritime operations. Any confirmed attack outside the Black Sea would represent a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.

This incident follows recent challenges for Russia’s shipping industry, including the sinking of an oil tanker in the Black Sea. With sanctions and security risks compounding, the sabotage allegations surrounding the Ursa Major underscore the growing perils for Russian logistics.

Ukraine- U.S. Joint Operation to Sink cargo ship, Ursa Major?

The cargo ship “Ursa Major” was subjected to an external impact, presumably with the use of torpedo weapons from stealthy semi-submersible unmanned boats launched from a surface platform (another cargo ship) located several tens of kilometers away.

According to 'Russian Weapons, Telegram channel quoting its sources within the Russian establishment, "Optical-electronic reconnaissance of the 'Ursa Major' was carried out by the American P-8A Poseidon long-range anti-submarine aircraft  as well as 3 large landing ships and 1 Soobrazitelny corvette, for days before the explosion.  It is likely that it was the operators of the Wescam MX-20HD optical-electronic complex located aboard the P-8A determined the most favorable moment to strike the cargo ship."