A Russian cargo ship, Ursa Major sank in the Mediterranean Sea overnight after a massive explosion took place in its engine room, reported Reuters quoting the Russian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday.
The foreign ministry also confirmed that 14 out of 16 crew members had been safely rescued and brought to the Spanish port of Cartagena, though two crew members remained missing.
The reason behind the engine explosion has not been disclosed and is under investigation as per Russia's embassy in Spain, which told state news agency RIA Novosti that it was investigating the accident and that it was in contact with local authorities.
Spain's maritime rescue service reported receiving a distress signal from the Ursa Major on Monday. A nearby ship confirmed that there were poor weather conditions, a lifeboat in the water, and that Ursa Major was listing to starboard.
Two vessels and a helicopter were dispatched to the scene. The crew stated that the ship was carrying empty containers along with two port cranes on deck.
