The Russian vessel Ursa Major, which sank off the coast of Spain, may have been attacked with a supercavitating “Barracuda” torpedo.
This was reported by RBC-Ukraine citing CNN.
According to the TV channel, Spanish investigators are considering the possibility of an external attack following a series of explosions onboard the vessel. CNN notes that the hull may have been pierced by a type of torpedo possessed only by the United States, several NATO allies, Russia, and Iran.
According to the investigation, a 50-by-50-centimeter hole in the ship’s hull could have been caused by the impact of such a torpedo.
The distinctive feature of this type of weapon is the use of an air “bubble” in front of the projectile, which reduces water resistance and allows the torpedo to travel at extremely high speed. Some models are capable of penetrating a target’s hull without using an explosive charge.
As a reminder, the Russian cargo ship Ursa Major sank off the coast of Spain in December 2024 after a series of explosions onboard. The vessel departed from Saint Petersburg and was officially heading to Vladivostok, although the captain later stated during questioning that the final destination might have been North Korea. Two crew members were killed in the incident.
According to CNN, the vessel may have been carrying components for two nuclear reactors, allegedly intended for a submarine. After the incident, the Russian research vessel Yantar remained near the sinking site for several days, and four more explosions were later recorded in the area.
Photo: Russian media
