(Adnkronos) – The Russian merchant ship Ursa Major sank in international waters, between Águilas (Murcia) and Oran (Algeria), after an explosion occurred in its engine room. Fourteen crew members were rescued and transferred to the port of Cartagena, while two crew members are missing, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. Several ships operating in the same area participated in the rescue work and were later joined by specialists from the Maritime Rescue, the ship Clara Campoamor and the Navy patrol boat Serviola.
The ship, flying the Russian flag, had left St. Petersburg 12 days ago and was headed for the port of Vladivostok, where it was due to arrive on January 22. The Ursa Major is a 15-year-old merchant ship built in 2009.
