A Russian merchant ship, the Ursa Major, which sank in the Mediterranean Sea on December 23, was struck by a “targeted terrorist attack,” the vessel’s owner, the Oboronlogistka group, told RIA Novosti.
The company cited reports from the ship’s crew members, who said that the vessel began to lean sharply to starboard following three successive explosions at 1:50 p.m. Moscow time on December 23, 2024.
Oboronlogistika noted that the Ursa Major was not overloaded. It was en route from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok with a cargo of cranes, other equipment, and 129 empty containers.
The Ursa Major has reportedly been used for years to transport supplies for Russia’s military operations in Syria.
Meduza survived 2024 thanks to its readers!
Let’s stick together for 2025.
The world is at a crossroads today, and quality journalism will help shape the decades to come. Real stories must be told at any cost. Please support Meduza by signing up for a recurring donation.