Russian Cargo Ship’s Mysterious Sinking
A Russian cargo vessel, known as Ursa Major or Sparta 3, sank off the Spanish coast in late December 2024, and it might have been carrying two concealed underwater nuclear reactors. There’s a prevailing suspicion that North Korea was the intended destination for this cargo.
The ship sank on December 23, approximately 90 miles from Spain after three explosions were reported. Tragically, two crew members lost their lives. During an investigation, the captain of the ship, Igor Anisimov, conveyed to Spanish officials that the items labeled as “manhole covers” were actually components of nuclear reactors similar to those used in submarines, as per a statement from the Spanish government.
Even though the ship’s official route pointed to Vladivostok in Russia’s Far East, a source involved in the Spanish investigation mentioned that Anisimov speculated the cargo was actually on its way to North Korea’s Rason port. Spanish investigators highlighted the oddity of transporting cranes, empty containers, and these so-called manhole covers by sea while a rail link existed between two Russian ports.
Intriguingly, Spanish research indicated that a 50-by-50-centimeter hole punctured in the ship’s side might have been caused by a supercavitating torpedo, a type of weapon likely held by only a select few NATO allies and Russia. This investigation also hinted at the possibility that the sinking could have been a strategic military operation aimed at blocking nuclear shipments to North Korea.
Furthermore, the Russian ship Yantar, often suspected of espionage in NATO territories, spent five days anchored above the wreck site, which raised eyebrows. Subsequently, four underwater explosions were detected, leading to speculation that the Russian government might have been attempting to erase any traces left on the ocean floor.
The incident surrounding Ursa Major doesn’t seem to be an isolated case. South Korean intelligence suggested that Russia may have transferred a nuclear reactor to North Korea, with reports emerging in September that Russia sent two to three nuclear submarine propulsion modules to North Korea earlier in 2025. These modules were said to have originated from a decommissioned Russian submarine and included a nuclear reactor along with essential components.
In a related event, Kim Jong-un showcased an 8,700-ton nuclear-powered missile submarine on December 25, 2025, believed to be presented at the Shinpo shipyard. Analysts noted that the submarine appeared to have a nuclear reactor already installed.
