Overview
- A CNN investigation published Tuesday said the Ursa Major was likely carrying components for two submarine-style nuclear reactors, a claim Spain backed by citing the captain’s statement.
- The cargo ship sank on December 23, 2024 after three explosions near its engine room off Spain’s coast, killing two crew members as 14 others were rescued by Spanish maritime services.
- The captain, Igor Anisimov, told Spanish investigators the listed “manhole covers” were reactor components similar to those used in submarines and said he did not know if they contained nuclear fuel.
- Spanish investigators reported a 50cm-by-50cm hole with metal bent inward that they are assessing for a high-speed supercavitating torpedo strike, while Spain’s seismic network logged four underwater blasts as the vessel later went under.
- Post-sinking activity drew further scrutiny as Russia’s Yantar hovered over the wreck and more blasts were detected, US WC-135R “nuke-sniffer” flights surveyed the site in August 2025 and February 2026, and Spain said the roughly 2,500-meter depth has stalled recovery.