Sinking Russian Vessel off Spain Sparks Questions Over Nuclear Cargo Ties to North Korea
A Russian cargo ship, Ursa Major (also known as Sparta 3), sank about 60 miles off Spain on December 23, 2024 after explosions. Investigators say the ship carried what the captain described as components for two nuclear reactors—similar to submarine reactors—and new details imply Moscow may have been shipping sensitive military cargo toward North Korea. The vessel, tied to Russia’s defense sector and involved previously in operations in Syria, had various suspected cargoes and was escorted by Russian and Portuguese forces throughout its journey. Two crew members died and 14 were rescued; no radioactive contamination has been found. US surveillance aircraft monitored the wreck area, and Spanish authorities noted the data recorder recovery would be technically challenging. The wreck lies about 2,500 meters deep, and investigators are considering whether the cargo was intended for North Korea’s port of Rason.