The sinking of a Russian cargo ship in the Mediterranean Sea was allegedly the result of a “terrorist attack”, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by Oboronlogistics, the owner of the vessel. However, the company, which is subordinated to the Russian Ministry of Defense, did not indicate who was responsible for the attack.
The company's statement was reported by AFP. The Russian company reported that on Tuesday “there was a targeted terrorist attack on the Ursa Major ship.” It was not indicated who could have carried it out or for what reason. According to Oboronlogistics, there were “three further explosions” on the container ship before water entered it.
Container ship Ursa MajorReuters
The ship sank
The container ship, built in 2009, sank after an explosion in the engine room in the Mediterranean Sea between Spain and Algeria – the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Tuesday. As a result of the incident, two people died and 14 crew members were rescued by the Spanish rescue services.
Oboronlogistics previously said the vessel was carrying ice-breaking tools and port cranes that were to be installed in the port of Vladivostok. The company is responsible for the transport and delivery of Russian military equipment.
Main photo source: Reuters