CNN investigation reveals new details on sinking of Russian ship carrying nuclear cargo to North Korea

The sinking of the Ursa Major

According to Главком: New findings from a CNN investigation have shed light on the sinking of the Russian vessel Ursa Major, which went down in November 2024 roughly 60 nautical miles off the coast of Spain following a series of explosions. The ship’s captain, Igor Anisimov, told Spanish investigators that the cargo included components for two nuclear reactors similar to those used in submarines. The final destination for this shipment was the port of Rason in North Korea.

The Ursa Major-also referred to as Sparta 3-departed from docks near St. Petersburg two months after Kim Jong Un sent troops to Russia. The vessel is owned by the Russian firm Oboronlogistics, which holds a license to transport nuclear materials. Portuguese naval forces tracked the ship’s route and recorded three explosions on the starboard side, likely near the engine room, which resulted in the deaths of two crew members. Spanish rescue teams managed to save fourteen people.

Possible implications

Notably, Spain’s national seismic network detected four underwater signals resembling mine explosions while the Russian naval vessel Ivan Gren was hovering over the wreck site. Spanish investigators theorize that the Ursa Major’s hull may have been breached by a Barracuda-type torpedo-a weapon used only by the United States, select NATO allies, Russia, and Iran. American aircraft designed to detect nuclear materials flew over the area where the ship sank on two separate occasions.

A week after the disaster, the Russian research vessel Yantar appeared above the wreckage and spent five days there, after which four more explosions were heard. The remains of the Ursa Major rest at a depth of 2,500 meters. Following the ship’s loss, North Korea unveiled its first nuclear-armed submarine. Additionally, Pyongyang has sent thousands of soldiers to fight alongside Russian forces after a personal meeting between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin. According to the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine, North Korea has earned half of its GDP from aiding Russia.

The sinking of the Ursa Major and its cargo raises serious concerns about nuclear safety and the proliferation of nuclear technology in the region. Given North Korea’s possible involvement and the presence of nuclear materials, this incident could have far-reaching consequences for international security. The events surrounding this disaster also underscore the heightened tensions between Russia, the United States, and their allies, potentially shaping future security policies and military actions on a global scale.

The incident involving the Ursa Major raises questions about the safety of maritime operations involving sensitive cargo. Similar concerns were highlighted when South Korea initiated a probe following a ship explosion near Iran, indicating that such events may have broader implications for regional security and international relations.