Russian Cargo Ship Ursa Major Sinks in the Mediterranean | Fifth Russian Commercial Vessel Lost

[@wgowshipping]

Oboronlogistics LLC, the operator of #UsraMajor, reported that the ship was the subject of a terrorist attack. However, there are issues regarding their statement. 1️⃣ The report of inward blown holes is questionable when the ship took a list and that would place all these holes below water and nearly impossible to visualize. 2️⃣ The filling of the compartment with acrid black-gray smoke and penetrating the mask of the breathing apparatus also raises questions about the ability to view the holes in the hull. 3️⃣ The lack of the emergency generator indicates more of a mechanical and electrical issue that was internal vice attacks from outside the ship. 4️⃣ The reports about Oslo Carrier 3 are refuted by the owner and crew of the ship who assisted the crew of Ursa Major as they waited for the Spanish rescue boats to arrive on scene. 5️⃣ There is no explanation about why the ship deviated from its track before its loss of speed. I am interested to see if the Spanish authorities release information from their discussion with the crew. obl.ru/en/news/1508/

[@pieter-bashoogsteen2283]

@@wgowshipping So it seems to me like they just feel the need to tow the government line.

[@JakeBroe]

Crazy how this channel is becoming so relevant to the War in Ukraine. Thanks for covering all this!

[@12qwertyady]

Sarbatori fericite Jake🎉🎉

[@YahWay.]

Would be interesting to know how much trade back and forth from North Korea is going on in vladivostock right now.

[@RedentSC]

tbf Jake (as a lover of your channel) WIGOWS has been relevant for years but I agree, extremely niche

[@Ikbeneengeit]

Hi Jake!

[@clancywiggam]

I was just thinking that, Jake. Looking forward to your analysis.

[@Renard380]

"If you think maintenance is expensive, you should see how expensive no maintenance is"

[@SS-zg6of]

Best reply ever! Imagine one of those signs in Russia "It's been xx minutes since our last injury!"

[@michaelkneringer3194]

You would need extensive diving qualification to see.

[@Plzunitewtruth2]

So part of the changes we lost with elders understood. Leaders trying to focus on making money vs longevity for business. Minnesnowda here and I have questioned train bridges after 35w. I've seen troubling locations but that's nothing "$ee $omething $ay $omething narrative programming doesn't include for citizens concerns

[@robertthomason8905]

Alaska airlines comes to mind

[@robertthomason8905]

​@@michaelkneringer3194 nordstream 2.2

[@Shoofool]

I’m amazed that despite my total lack of knowledge or interest in shipping, I found this FASCINATING!

[@realityjunky]

Think of the toy boats and trucks we all played with as kids. Now it's real!! Always fascinating!

[@Coondawgwoopwoop]

I swear that like 60-70% of us in here. I stumbled across this channel months ago and had no interest in the topic then watched the whole video. Subbed shortly after and now very interested in every video 😅😅

[@andrewmcalister3462]

For all the crap on KZbin, you occasionally get a gem like this where a genuine expert explains things in a simple and clear way. 👍

[@Everywhere2]

Sal is really a fisherman, and once you're on his hook, you're never getting away.

[@harrybenson9983]

Earth is a water planet so now you can add Sal's channel to your subscription list.

[@hewhohasnoidentity4377]

It is clear that you have spent hours today in addition to a lifetime of experience preparing for this video. You are not looking at this tracking information for the first time. You have already reviewed it and considered the many questions raised by the data. There are very few, if any, other people capable of providing this level of detail using terms the layman can understand. Thank you so much and Merry Christmas to you and yours.

[@wgowshipping]

Merry Christmas to you as well!

[@Rio-by1eh]

Spot ON LOVE PROS in their field of intelligence 💯🇺🇸💫📈✅

[@Katovnv]

I am a retired airline pilot who also has some time at sea both in the Navy and boats owned by my family. Longliners, tugs and Hatteras. I stumbled upon your channel and I cannot tell you how much I enjoy it. Keep up the good work and have a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Kato

[@TheKid_88]

An I am a pope from Rome😂

[@DeathOnSernpidal]

Huh, I didn't even know this channel existed until today. The sinking of the Ursa Major somehow brought me here, and here I also learned about the recent Black Sea tanker losses, and I'm just discovering how valuable this channel is as a news source (I'm not even a mariner, just have a passing interest)

[@wgowshipping]

Thanks

[@colbypupgaming1962]

It all started when Ever Given decided to try its hand at being a beaver

[@moze_-]

It was the bridge in Baltimore that had me discover this channel.

[@Ubiquities]

Shipping touches everyone and everything in our modern world, when the shipping market changes it’s either a cause or effect of global economics.

[@damag3plan]

I'm in the same boat mate! 😂😂😂 Oh I kill me

[@TYRONE_SHOELACES]

I am a new subscriber. I am 65, living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. I have been a combination welder my entire career with pipe welding being my specialty for the last 15 years. I have worked in many shipyards, and many welding contracts that put me in and around ships throughout my career, so ...THIS is why I love this channel.

[@trip1]

cheers from Halifax too

[@joefin5900]

I worked at Braswell in South Boston and did a stint at the Portsmouth Navy Yard, as a weld inspector. The Portsmouth work was the welding of the bases for the plateyard bridge crane. When I arrived, the welding contractor was there and he had a beautiful Grumman van all properly equipped and painted up with the name of his company and the different standards he was certified to; NAVSHIPS, ASTM, ASME, AWS, and C T T T I T G F H. The last one stumped me so I asked him what that was. He said "Certified to tell the inspector to go f..... himself!

[@TagueMcBride-r6x]

Man that’s awesome! It can be a dangerous job too. Glad you had a long career.

[@davidg3944]

@@joefin5900 Were his welds up to the C T T T I T G F H standard?

[@AllNighterHeider]

I never even took my 6G test, love pipe fitting and welding though

[@robertgarrett5009]

The container ship that sank in Turkey was hauling Russian cargo as well.

[@maiaheiss2991]

Ugh

[@DR_1_1]

"The ship was built in 1996 and was operating UNTIL RECENTLY for Russia’s Fesco shipping company"

[@robertgarrett5009]

It's the container ship Amnah that sank.

[@spxram4793]

@@robertgarrett5009 Really? Neptune must be really mad at Russia for it's invasion of Ukraine 🤣

[@blaydCA]

*repositioned it's water line ninety degrees

[@humblescribe8522]

"These tankers are going around the world all the time, and I wouldn't want people to think they weren't safe." "Was this tanker safe?" "Well I was thinking more about the other ones. " "The ones where the front doesn't fall off?" "Exactly."

[@xRepoUKx]

Wasn't this built so the front wouldn't fall off?

[@didboy74]

Can't remember the Australian comedians who did that skit

[@kcgunesq]

​@@xRepoUKx Well, obviously not.

[@philonetic321]

They keep taking still-water vessels into the ocean and are surprised when they get ripped apart. Ursa Major was a good ship made in Germany but Russia doesn't know how to take care of anything.

[@theoztreecrasher2647]

@@didboy74 John Clarke (born in New Zealand died in Australia) and his straight man Brian Dawes

[@dennisc6716]

The calendar says Christmas but it feels like Ground Hog Day.

[@raycatlin3554]

🎯

[@LaDeCR]

💯

[@Babalon48]

Still a little time left before Christmas, and a few days until Orthodox Christmas.

[@skyvenrazgriz8226]

Best coment

[@heyidiot]

Yeah, Sal Saw his shadow, so we're gonna have four more weeks of Biden.

[@QALibrary]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Sal - thank you for all the videos

[@alanmony1582]

I was a field service engineer in the marine propulsion industry working for one of the larger manufacturers. I had the opportunity to go on a couple of Russian vessels. The lack of tools and supplies was beyond dangerous. You had to feel sorry for the engine room guys. If you want to be treated well on a Russian ship just bring coffee, they'll treat you like a king.

[@fjb4932]

@alanmony, Wow, one of the few that knows that. I was a young kid aboard the USNS Chauvnet (T-AGS 29) when we pulled into Pusan, S.Korea in '74. I had a passenger van, Jeep, 3/4 ton Weapons Carrier and a Chevy Pickup truck i was responsible for. We didn't need them on our next outting so they were unloaded to the pier and to safe guard them, i was sent over to talk with the civilian head of the maintenance shop. Told to take a pound of coffee as inducement. The guy practically slobbered seeing that much of a gift. A month later we pulled back in and reloaded the vechicles. All were topped off with fuel, oil and filters changed, washed / waxed. Made my job easy. From then on that was my routine ( tho he told me the Maxwell House instant coffee was preferably, lol ). Thanks for jogging my memory . . . ☆

[@The_Ballo]

What year

[@rebeccaweil1]

Interesting tidbit

[@QuizmasterLaw]

Rusisan's worst enemy? The Russian government.

[@alanmony1582]

@@The_Ballo Early 2000's, can't remember exactly. Don't remember where it was either.

[@viandengalacticspaceyards5135]

For added precision, Russia plots ship positions in longitude, latitude and depth.

[@brentfarvors192]

Oh, you are going to find out all about Russian "precision"... 🙄🤣 Do you really think people are THAT STUPID??? 🤦

[@LT_Winter]

@@brentfarvors192 He's right though. Russian ships are positioned by depth. Mostly the ocean floor depth at where they sunk.

[@jdilksjr]

@@brentfarvors192 Not good at sarcasm, are you?

[@brentfarvors192]

@@LT_Winter Still completely irrelevant...5 cargo ships in less than 1 year...? 🤦 Only a complete moron doesn't know these were acts of war...And, only.someone just as ignorant isn't going to realize that Putin WILL retaliate...His only real dilemma ATM, is how to do it in a way that wont involve nuclear warheads...Because of our western media blackout, many people don't realize how badly FUBAR the middle east conflicts have gotten. They are about to find out...

[@kenricnarbrough8191]

aaarrrff

[@generalputnam2990]

We've all been awaiting your analysis, Prof. Mercogliano. Thank you.

[@wgowshipping]

Hope you found it helpful!

[@generalputnam2990]

@@wgowshipping Yes, indeed. And your perspective from global economic dynamics is invaluable.

[@espesq]

Saw the headline somewhere and knew to just wait for Sal's video rather than read an article.

[@JimWhitaker]

Me too.

[@rarbiart]

i totally subscribe to that. news reporting beeing bad is one thing, even or better especially their "featured experts" are hard to watch.

[@blaydCA]

I read different articles, and H I Sutton also did a video, which is a rare departure for him, because he is mostly submarine oriented.

[@frictionpeg]

Yes, but we won't get any reports or analysis of the US Navy sabotage of the Nordstream pipeline.

[@meepk633]

Do you think Sal gets his information from some hidden stream of technical data about hours-old incidents?

[@vandacliff9021]

I saw her anchored in Falmouth bay ,Cornwall , UK , a few days ago and was puzzled by those 2 cranes on her deck as she looked top heavy. I suppose she stopped here due to the stormy weather at the time and also explain her route south through the bay of Biscay as that is no place for any vessel in a westerly storm in winter. I read in comments on another YT item on this subject that they had heard it reported a crew member explained the explosion as one of the conrods in the engine was thrown out through the crankcase and punched a hole in the starboard hull plating. Merry Christmas !

[@mrkeogh]

Yikes! 😮

[@marccas10]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@everettputerbaugh3996]

I remember cars into the 1960's occasionally throwing rods. My '62 deuce and a quarter broke a piston one second after the "oil" light came on to tell me that the engine failed. I can easily imagine that a marine diesel engine's rod would not be slowed much by the hull.

[@allanfarr]

A Russian ship in port in UK??? Why wasn’t it seized?

[@throwback19841]

@@allanfarr if not carrying any sanctioned cargo and has "clean" papers showing its not owned by any sanctioned individuals or organisations, don't see why it would be. We aren't actually at war. Yet.

[@reticenti6365]

I work on ships, US Merchant marine ships, including heavy lift ships. Typically things in the engine room do not explode! Maybe a boiler, but thats not typical in any way.

[@MerchantMarineGuy]

They do when you’ve stuck a limpet on the side

[@lauchlanguddy1004]

originally was a broken fuel line. if high pressure diesel on exhaust, its game over. Refer to Australian navy cargo/ landing ship incident

[@bryandepaepe5984]

@@lauchlanguddy1004 That usually results in a fire not an explosion. The fuel would need to leak for some time for vapors to build to explode. There was no smoke seen before sinking.

[@andrewmcalister3462]

An electric scooter?

[@Murph9000]

​@@bryandepaepe5984There is recent (last couple of decades) research by the British Health & Safety Executive (HSE), and others, into oil mist explosions, particularly in offshore industry. In the right circumstances, an oil mist can ignite/explode below the nominal flash point of the oil, and at ambient pressure. Another possibility is a crankcase explosion.

[@Harsooo]

As someone extremely far away from the shipping scene, I want to thank you for your steady insights and research, and for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@walterpark8824]

Hey, Sal, thanks again for a terrific report. All the details available, no drama, no speculation. I appreciate it.

[@nastygollum]

Russia must ask itself: what is going on with our shipping?

[@BikeNewLondon]

This loss has to hurt, bad. Losing just those two cranes and the nuclear service covers will be a minimum of a year setback to the projects those were for. You almost feel bad for the predicament Russia is in. 100% self inflicted.

[@barnabusdoyle4930]

It’s looking too much like these Russian ships are being attacked at sea via drones or submarines. If this was just one or 2, maybe, but 5 in a month. Even Boeing isn’t having problems like this with their planes. My guess is that Ukraine or the US are attacking these ships in open waters to hurt Russia. If this is true, this is absolutely disgusting and will trigger WW3

[@bruhice6058]

Probably cia

[@RichardGeiszler]

"Ivan! Why is there duct tape over the check engine light?"

[@BrettBaker-uk4te]

"Light lies."

[@willemsma]

Don't see light, don't see problem, Gregor

[@Carlos-im3hn]

These old ships collecting insurance, or very poorly maintained ? Since these rusting/listing ships may be barely seaworthy ? Difficult and strange times.

[@mfallen2023]

@@BrettBaker-uk4te That light is western propaganda!

[@dosmastrify]

​@@Carlos-im3hnis only 13 years old

[@lancelarsen7523]

Not really into shipping, but I learn so much from this channel.

[@Everywhere2]

Yeah and pretty soon you find you ARE into shipping and you begin urging others to come to this channel.. .

[@inthefade]

I was just explaining to my gf how this channel really opened my eyes to how relevant shipping and ships are to geopolitics and world news on a weekly basis. I started with the Titan submersible and stayed because, dammit, I am into shipping.

[@PaulCashman]

Another cogent, easily understood analysis. Enjoy the holidays, Sal; you've earned it!

[@rwrynerson]

On New Years Eve 1966 a Soviet "trawler" was sinking off the Aleutians and the U.S. Coast Guard offered assistance. The Russians refused and waited at risk of capsizing until a Soviet ship showed up. It was clear that they were under orders not to be rescued by someone else. (I was in the UPI Seattle bureau as this unfolded.)

[@John-mf6ky]

Probably had some interesting equipment onboard.. lol

[@billbrockman779]

Reactor covers don’t sound like an inventory item. Going to set back that icebreaker.

[@GraemeHein]

Not since 1970 or so

[@RichardTaylor1630]

@@alolen6261 Greta has tried her best to convince everyone that there is no need for ice-breakers because "man-made global warming" would have melted the polar ice caps (as well as Greenland) by now. Unfortunately, the ice caps have never come close to disappearing, and each winter they come back. The Arctic is currently frozen from the Bering Sea east to Greenland and west to Sakhalin Island.

[@GraemeHein]

@alolen6261 there's an easy way to open the north east passage..

[@michaelgideon8944]

Sal just kind of glossed over the reactor covers. The Arctic competition is heating up. I have read story after story about the Russians and Chinese using it as an alternate route with the ice breakers, not to mention hydrocarbon exploration. It would be a shame if an ice breaker was delayed due to a missing cover.

[@Giftedtib]

Coincidence? I thought not

[@Exsubmariners]

A bit of a theme running here

[@CoffeeAndPaul]

They're running lean while trying to be mean but one of the problems the Germans ID'd with this ship is "wages." You can't run this sort of "shadow" fleet & not pay its sailors more for running with these increased risks of arrest, detainment, & mechanical hazard. Plus, how do you think the Russians received the bulk shipments of the Syrians' Captagon? These ships are running drugs, too, in addition to their legal cargo. I can almost guarantee you that these ships are not coming back from Syria empty.

[@Carlos-im3hn]

@@CoffeeAndPaul Maybe that is why no mayday...they were shipping contraband ? A mystery.

[@GraysonElixir-us6gm]

The CIA trafficked heroin to fund its black projects while the US was in Afghanistan. Also did the same with cocaine in the 80’s. No one and no side has any moral high ground. US and Israel’s destabilisation of the Middle East with with the Arab spring/creating Al Qaeda/isis/ 9/11 invading Iraq and Afghanistan all for the creation of greater Israel is something I cannot get behind. The effect it has had on Europe is unforgivable.

[@rogerzen8696]

Pretty clear what's going on here, but everyone in the West is eager to whitewash the sabotage.

[@brentfarvors192]

Yah think...? Yeah, "ok"; These were "accidents"... 🤦

[@bc-guy852]

Fabulous update Sal, thank you. I was aware of this situation and had seen a couple of videos where it was covered. But YOU provide so much more information that it takes on a whole new meaning. Your experience allows you to notice and share the detail that give the story real context. Thank you Professor! Your lectures are always great. I wish you and your family Peace and Happiness. Merry Christmas.

[@FloozieOne]

Thank you for this comprehensive view of the sinking. I like it that you don't fall into the "conspiracy" sites, but just give the information. Also, your sources are admirable, you obviously did a lot of work to put this together. I "fell" into you site kind of by accident, but you now have a new subscriber.

[@wgowshipping]

Thank you!

[@duanelawrence78]

Thanks Sal you are the best in the business!!✌️🇺🇲

[@TheVigilant109]

Merry Christmas Sal. Great update. You are always ahead of the major news channels

[@ktrimbach5771]

Sal, I appreciate your somber attitude to this situation.

[@stuartwray6175]

somber?... or sober? - serious, level headed, earnest.

[@TheBelrick]

NATO is using clandestine forces to sink civilian vessels and this channel is full of the worst of types celebrating and mocking acts which are simply prelude to a very wide spread escalation about to be unleashed.

[@ronaldo2220]

Your an awesome spokesman for any and all maritime news. I never really cared much for Maritime issues. But ever since I stumbled onto your podcast I’m totally on board with your message. Best wishes! Merry Christmas!

[@MrZagorfly]

Merry Christmas Sal! Thank you for your work !

[@martinfitzsimons5884]

Thank you so much for the in depth clarification. Excellent distillation of this information ❤

[@nlwilson4892]

I did a blog on Ko-fi a couple of years back about what was causing all the fires in Russia and many of the same factors can come into play here. There's a lack of spare parts due to everything being focused on making weapons and due to sanctions. People and machines are being pushed harder, machines aren't getting downtime for routine maintenance and are being kept going when they start to show signs of problems. Corruption can mean cheaper parts being used. The crew will be exempt from conscription due to the ship working in support of the war but that also means the Captain can treat them as badly as he likes because they won't leave if that means getting put in the front lines of the war.

[@jimmanley7153]

Russia’s core competency is now incompetence. Russian education, especially in science, technology, engineering, and math, essentially went into the toilet when the USSR collapsed in 1991. Things barely ran OK for a while, but eventually, most PhDs and other well-educated people had to turn to menial labor (even as janitors … fortunate enough to be able to work indoors) or, if they were really lucky (i.e., had friends in high places, such as businesses) and clever enough, salesmen, usually for everyday items. Those with foreign language skills worked for foreign companies … often outside Russia, many permanently. Eventually, the most senior (and experienced) retired or passed away, and with the deteriorating education and training, the successive waves of workers just weren’t of the quality of their predecessors, and it got worse over time … much worse. Corruption and the political system that made it more important as to who you knew, rather than what you knew (e.g., paying bribes to get hired) doomed Russia to its current state. It will take multiple generations, if ever, for them to get back to where they were 30+ years ago, which wasn’t that great to begin with, with very few exceptions.

[@dingodog5677]

Sounds like a totally uninformed blog. It’s call weather. Hot and dry. When you add tens of thousands of hectares of it you get big fires. The US can’t manage the fires they have without total chaos. And they have more resources. Russiaphobia is pathetic.

[@boggisthecat]

There is no conscription in Russia.

[@Bakes-z4c]

@@boggisthecat they have press gangs, just like England, late 18th century

[@CliftonW-w5z]

@@boggisthecat Come on theres press gangs muscling imigrants and convicts, wages and retirement payments being with held in poorer regions, no jobs being created so the young and hungry what choice do they have.

[@-Katastrophe]

Russia is building a large submarine fleet it seems

[@peterfinucane8122]

"Sub Standard" for sure

[@MausMasher54]

correction: Submareef

[@adrianthoroughgood1191]

Special submersion operation.

[@dosmastrify]

Artificial reefs

[@dosmastrify]

Perun is that you?

[@rupturedduck6981]

🎄"MERRY CHRISTMAS SAL"🎄 to you and your family 🎄

[@stephenleach1410]

If you don't know what's happening on the water you will only ever have an incomplete picture of what's happening on the land. Thank you my fellow Mariners.

[@Brasidas69]

Thank you for bringing relevant quality content about important issues.

[@adrianklaver113]

My take, the initial AIS interruption was when the incident occurred. They got emergency power up and running enough to restore the AIS signal and some degree of control. Whatever happened got worse, but they did not declare Mayday hoping to get it under control and transit under their own power to a 'friendly' place they could get repairs. Mostly because they did not want folks to see what is the cargo holds. Interesting to see if salvage is done and if so who does it. As to regular maintenance in aid of safety, in Russia human life is costed at 0 by those in charge so that is not really a concern. There will be more angst over the cargo then the two missing.

[@Bakes-z4c]

There’s 100s of thousands missing in Ukraine

[@CoffeeAndPaul]

Those reactor lids will be very sorely missed. That's $Millions in freshly milled steel. If I was Russia I'd attempt a salvage. The problem is, though, those doors have to be extremely heavy. You're not going to get those 2 hunks of steel out of the water without sea floats.

[@CoffeeAndPaul]

Those reactor lids will be very sorely missed. That's $Millions in freshly milled steel. If I was Russia I'd attempt a salvage. The problem is, though, those doors have to be extremely heavy. You're not going to get those 2 hunks of steel out of the water without sea floats.

[@danielcobbins8861]

@@CoffeeAndPaul Plus, I'm sure the water is very deep in that area, which would make salvage impossible.

[@alexandrep4913]

The world just watched a woman burn alive in the NYC subway. The police watched and the bystanders filmed. You are projecting about Russians not caring about Russians.

[@TristanMorrow]

Well at least the *Ursa Major* _finally_ got the Abandon Ship Drills squared away and up to date 12:00

[@blaydCA]

@@TristanMorrow Evidently not, if there's two missing.

[@SC-fk9nc]

😂

[@daveroche6522]

"You're gonna need a bigger boat", GLUG GLUG "You're gonna need 2 more bigger boats..........".

[@MausMasher54]

The Russian Navy today is trying to exceed the 1904 Baltic Fleet Misadventures....IMHO🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@mfallen2023]

@@MausMasher54 Was that when they ended up with with an entire zoo of animals on board and sharks circling because they tossed a bunch of rotten meat in the water? The crew were afraid to sleep for fear of being eaten, lol. I don't know what channel it is but there's a series called "the Russian Navy sucks" that is one of the funniest things I've seen recently

[@realityjunky]

I will always endorse a Jaws reference.❤

[@yessman78]

Thank you for this very well produced video giving just the facts, and adding some well thought out suggestions about what possibly went wrong. Already the Russians are talking about 'acts of terrorism" The fact is though that ships do require regular maintenance and it's more likely that this ship was lacking in that area. Ship side valves should get inspected and maintained or replaced at dry dock periods. Some can be easily ignored and never exercised to prove they are operable. So if there was some sort of incident that resulted in a sea water pipe fracture then it's very possible that it would lead to a bilging ( flooding ) escalation if the associated ship side valves was stuck open. If they lost power as a result then the emergency bilge pump could also become inoperable. Then add the free surface effect of water in the engine room space and you get a very unstable ship. "Ships don't disappear in the night" I'm subscribing to this channel - thank you again.

[@pigletsdaddy3052]

These guys are just giving you so much material. You ought to send them a Christmas card

[@weaton25]

Nice to hear a non bias report on something regarding Russia good work.

[@karlfair]

Thanks for all your great reports this year. Merry Christmas.

[@AB1Vampire]

It's nice to have Sal break it down for us. His insight into navigation habits and practice is interesting.

[@rickplavidal1112]

I used to climb mountains and the reputation of Russian climbers was well known among the climbing community. Generally they were known as being fearless and had a general disregard for proper safety practices and equipment. It makes sense that this carries over to their maritime community.

[@John-mf6ky]

Russia has always had an interesting maritime history lol.. Look into the voyage of the Russian baltic fleet during the Russo-Japanese war.

[@jayh1947]

Thank You Sal. You are my main news resource for these problems.....................Jay

[@nordnord8141]

It's enough to make you think that their might be real consequences to rampant corruption.

[@flinch622]

The abandonment of classification society translates to: continuous machinery surveys being avoided. Why? Third parrty seems to be one obvious answer. Enter the Russia -Syria routes, and it sounds to me like they wanted no one to observe cargo in transit. Velly intellesting...

[@bend3rbot]

It could be "commercial comeuppance" for severing two communications cables in the Baltic Sea by dragging an anchor along the sea bed for two days.

[@DIREWOLFx75]

"to rampant corruption" What rampant corruption? If you actually bothered to keep track of reality instead of propaganda, you would be aware that while corruption in the 90s was extreme in Russia, in today's Russia, corruption is less than most western nations.

[@bb-6359]

​@DIREWOLFx75 stop drinking the koolaid. Russia is still one of the most corrupt countries in the world. Nowhere like it was in the 90's, but still very corrupt and one of the highest in the corruption perception index. Certainly magnitudes more corrupt than any western country.

[@gtfkt]

Are you american? You do realize America is not owned nor controlled by Americans, right?

[@196cupcake]

Your explanation makes a lot of sense.

[@tristanmelling410]

Merry Christmas Sal! Thanks for your work this year. I’m definitely not a mariner, not even particularly interested in shipping or ships, but this is quality content, and kinda relevant as a person from NZ where we rely so heavily on shipping (sorry on behalf of everyone for the loss of HMNZS Manawanui - what an embarrassment!)

[@howardsimpson489]

Our interisland ferries problems have gone beyond a joke., not sunk yet but several tries. Tasmania has similar issues, something in the Southern Hemisphere water?

[@jameswalker7899]

This is impressively lucid reporting. Warmest compliments. Thank you, sir. :)

[@helimech0]

It does not matter who you are. Skipping maintenance will bite you in the butt when you least expect it.

[@silviog.4211]

You mean Ursa Major will bite in Uranus?

[@peterlivingston8155]

The United States Navy needs to take per recently released reports. Are we inept enough to be racing Russia to the bottom.

[@orange1666]

Most likely not a maintenance issue and more likely sabotage - the West is at war with Russia !

[@edl653]

Was waiting for this one. Hehe Merry Christmas Sal! 🎄

[@eddie_wolf_]

Very Merry Christmas to you and yours Sal.

[@pjotr1338]

Ursa Major, operated by the Russian militairy, sunk not far from Carthagena which is a Nato base in Spain. An explosion in the engineroom would have developed a lot of smoke, but there was no smoke. Waterdepth in that area is deep, over 1000 meters, so no grounding occurred. What caused this hole in the bottom? Maybe something todo with Nato? Highly likely

[@timandellenmoran1213]

Thanks for all of the information that you provide in the maritime sector. I find that it is immensely important and interesting. Merry Christmas!!

[@maiaheiss2991]

Your shirt!!!!!!! The best 🏆 Merry Christmas! 🎄🎅🏻 🎁

[@strathman7501]

Thanks, excellent, very clear and articulate analysis of what's probably going on.

[@ludvikblondal9885]

EXTREMELY informative..superior channel Christmas greetings from España/Iceland

[@Syl-Vee]

I love your shirt!! Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a healthy and prosperous New Year to you, Sal. I have been telling everyone who will listen what a great channel this is.

[@davidfarrow875]

Interesting you talk about the state of Russian vessels. I can recall many years ago, late 1970s or very early 1980s, visiting Ullapool, a small port on the west coast of Scotland. A small fleet of Russian vessels had dropped anchor in the seaward end of Loch Broom and they were coming onto the dock one at a time to take on supplies. The state of those ships was frankly horrific. The hulls of all of them were literally covered in rust patches and various colours of paint where they'd been patched up. One of them was listing noticeably to starboard and that one in particular had an interesting time trying to dock. As well as supplies, three or four of the ships also took on cars, each one taking four or five and tying them down on the deck. When I asked what was going on, they said the Russians often came to Ullapool and while there they bought cars off the locals, loaded them up and took them back to Russia !! I also asked what sort of ships they were and I was told they were some sort of large deep sea fishing vessels.

[@ktrimbach5771]

That was during Soviet times. A completely different scenario. However, old habits die hard. They need to up their safety inspections!

[@mfallen2023]

@@ktrimbach5771 Yeah, they were far more competent under the Soviets, and they were still a disaster. Russia and sea-faring just don't mix, historically

[@thearpox7873]

@@mfallen2023 If only they had a warm water port, then everything would be fine.

[@flinch622]

Hard to paint in freezing weather - no such thing as spot treating... for months on end.

[@theorenhobart]

@@thearpox7873 always surprised they didn't 'appropriate' cuba. bay of pigs all over again !

[@FORTUNENGLORY]

1. Happenstance, 2. Coincidence, 3. Enemy Action, 4. Something you will pay for., 5. Something your grandchildren will pay for.

[@AIandComputerUse-nw6lc]

we're re-entering the age of state sponsored terrorism, like there was during the cold war. the blow-up of the Northern pipeline started this. now there are undersee cables being cut, ships are sabotaged. we will also see the return of terrorism on airlines. 😢

[@DickCheneyXX]

Too many coincidences for 3 not to be involved at least in some of those. Especially this one.

[@neilkurzman4907]

Smoking

[@russ549]

That's exactly what my gut says too.

[@MarkErikEE]

There is a certain mr Budanov smirking at this coincidental happenstance that included some C4 and a broken timer that struck twice.

[@wadeenyart9676]

TY and looking forward to your video tomorrow with dr. clark!!!

[@JR-pr8jb]

Does this YT guy have an interesting job, or what? Fascinating analysis of nautical/shipping, technical/engineering, commercial, legal/regulatory, geographical, geopolitical factors! Always worthwhile!

[@aasbcc]

Sal, in your next video about this incident, if you pull it for update, can you please elaborate on the subject of what can cause such violent explosion in the engine room of these kind of cargo ships. I used to load them for many years as a port worker but never heard any stories from the crew about even small fire inside, forget about explosions! It's usually lots of breakdowns, but fires are not so usual. Even going through the massive storms all the equipment almost never fails... Now they claim that it was either act of sabotage or even terrorism. I understand? that there are numerous ways how to do the latter on a practically civilian ship (supplies, parts, magnetic mines, nowadays - marine drones, etc.), but what can cause an explosion related to technical issue? Thank you... Great channel!

[@wgowshipping]

I am hearing it was an engine explosion, specifically throwing a rod or piston.

[@aasbcc]

@@wgowshipping So violently - to make a hole right trough the board? I never thought this kind of engines can be so dangerous to be able to sink it! Thanks, Sal!

[@ronjon7942]

@@aasbccI asked the same question, but felt dumb because it seemed so far fetched. I cannot imagine a scenario where a busted crank -> a list and a sinking. On the other hand, it’s obvious Sal provides facts, and may provide possibilities based on the availability of actual evidence. His perspective is pretty awesome; very trustworthy, authoritative.

[@aasbcc]

@@ronjon7942 They claim it was bullet proof Mann engine, not long time ago serviced, and the ship itself was looks like built in Germany. They are talking now about 3 consecutive explosions , there's at least one 2ft hole below the water line and some think this could be done only by marine drones or the planted by divers explosives. All this just a talk, no facts for now. Who knows, but the fact, that it had such important cargo on top of the ship, and may be more valuable inside - all this make me believe, that it's not an accident...

[@RosemarieStars]

Thanks for the thorough update. Not everything is Ukraine's fault.

[@LaurenGlass-i7x]

Hunt for Red October sure has some great quotes in it!

[@thelonelybolter8245]

Be careful what you shoot in here. Most things don't react well to bullets ;)

[@DeaconBlu]

Great vid Sal! Thanks!

[@asknwclips7672]

Thanks!

[@wgowshipping]

Welcome!

[@natopeacekeeper97]

Thanks Sal for another timely episode and analysis. Merry Christmas to you and your family!!!

[@jameslyddall]

I’m surprised the Russians actually admit it sank and I’m surprised again they’re not blaming England for it

[@danielleclare2938]

You are easily surprised.

[@ericbabich]

i think it's more of a western troupe at this point blaming everything on russia

[@tigersilberhannes9153]

England or France ARE responsible for this! This is international terrorism.

[@jdocean1]

@@ericbabichyeah I don’t think so.

[@koskok2965]

@@jdocean1 You don't think in general.

[@fyt54321]

The English actor in the thumbnail just passed away a year ago, age 95. Sidney Edmond Jocelyn "Joss" Ackland (29 Feb 1928 - 19 Nov 2023)

[@josephwirtz8352]

I appreciate your candor in the matter.

[@neilrusling-je6zo]

I thought I recognised him, "Diplomatic immunity!".

[@jameslyddall]

@@neilrusling-je6zoalso check out spooks one of the best bbc drama in the early 00s that had Peter Firth. The actor who was in hunt for the red October but is british not Russian. Good series as well.

[@ibubezi7685]

@@neilrusling-je6zo "South African" - 'Lethal weapon'.

[@adamski-l5w]

Jerry Westerby

[@moonraker978]

Built in Germany with a MAN diesel. Perhaps the maintenance of the engine was affected by the sanctions. If so, the sanctions were successful. Although I deeply saddened by the death of the two sailors.

[@chrisfallis5851]

Do these vessels typically have a smaller auxiliary motor to use to limp to the closest ports or do they just call for a tow in case of trouble? Two independent power sources on a ship always made sense to me.

[@joenight9693]

​@@chrisfallis5851 that'd be very strange. Our Diesel engines are normaly sturdy to a fault. To wear one of these down, to the point of catastrophic failure, you'd have to run it way to hard for way to long all the while hauling ass til kingdom come. On the other hand... russia has been using this vessel extensively for some time now.

[@mazwa2007]

@@chrisfallis5851 often not, they have auxillery engines to run pumps and provide electrical power and such, but a single main engine for the propeller,

[@prmarinesurveyors4537]

Excellent education about international shipping - Thank you

[@stefanschleps8758]

"These are extremely heavy because of... radioactivity". That is some top shelf analysis right there! (2:42-2:45) Thats why we subbed! Thanks for sharing. Maintenance and upkeep for recertifying that your ship is seaworthy should be done every six months or so, and any issues remedied immediately. If not more rigorously.

[@mladenmatosevic4591]

If you lose power on main engine you might wish to move out of busiest shipping route, especially if you do not want foreign officials on board. Ship drifting without propulsion in shipping route will be spotted by some passing wessel and someone might call nearest coast guard.

[@yessman78]

I think the problem is that if you lose main engines then you are not able to move very far - it's what drives the propeller.

[@CoffeeAndPaul]

This freighter performed the Kessel run in less than 12 fathoms. Question: people are saying the Russians lost five ships in the past Week. I know about the losses of the three Volgoneft tankers & this ship makes #4. What's the fifth? EDIT: I didn't know about the crane barge. Thanks in advance.

[@davidmcintyre998]

A barge under tow i think, of the south coast of Crimea.

[@rebeccaweil1]

Another went down near Turkey

[@bunzeebear2973]

A fathom is not a speed(that is depth) You are thinking of knots...which is different than land speed (MPH) or (KPH), In the air(if you are flying...its fast enough becuz I don't CARE) That is what GOOGLE is for.

[@digitalnomad9985]

@@bunzeebear2973 That's the joke. It comes from a line in Star Wars "made the Kessel run in 5 parsecs." A parsec is a unit of distance.

[@CoffeeAndPaul]

​@@bunzeebear2973, no, it's fathoms. The Kessell run boast isn't about how fast the Millennium Falcon is, it's a boast about how close to known danger the ship could safely enter, transit, & escape from. That's why in Star Wars Solo boasts he did the run in "less than 12 parsecs." A parsec is a unit of distance measurement.

[@rebeccaweil1]

According to ‘Inside Russia ‘, there are no mechanics, metal welders and many maintenance issues are due to deaths caused by the Ukraine War and materials shortages are due to resources shortages from the war.

[@boggisthecat]

Propaganda isn’t reality. Russia is short of people in many specialties due to having massively ramped up military production. The pay is far better, with commercial employers being very slow to increase wages. Add in standard problems of capitalism (think of the multiple rail incidents in the US, the collision with the bridge in Baltimore, ongoing chronic issues with water supply) then include specific corruption that is still in place in certain areas of the Russian economy. ‘Gangster capitalism’ is still around, having been greatly attenuated by Putin’s regime but not eliminated. Spare parts are not really a problem, but cost may be higher to obtain them. So why bother when you can roll the dice and there is a very low chance of you ever being held to account? (Although this is much more of a risk recently, because the conflict has shifted power from the rich elite to government in Russia. They have been rolling up corruption in the military procurement process, and could designate other areas of economic activity as being critical to national security then go after the corruption. Whether they will or not is difficult to assess - Russia, similarly to the US, is controlled by competing interests that the political system tries to keep in balance.)

[@Bakes-z4c]

A society falling apart. And Vlad wants to run an even bigger country 🤦‍♂️

[@paulf2529]

Exactly and equipment is simply not being taken out of service for routine maintenance.

[@noeldown1952]

@@boggisthecatWhat you're ignoring is the consequences of the exodus of young skilled professionals at the beginning of the war. Many of them have returned home since then, but many more found they're in demand overseas and chose to stay there. Russia has a severe shortage of skills as a result, which is driving wages up which in turn is driving inflation.

[@boggisthecat]

@ What you’re ignoring is that this was propaganda, and in large part a lie. Some companies that made games and such did relocate operations, but that’s hardly a critical part of the economy.

[@jamesmatticks70]

Merry Christmas, Sal! Our best wishes to the whole family!!! 🎄🎄🎄

[@hhumh6911]

the episode is obviously great and much appreciated, so... love the shirt!

[@cbhlde]

Frohe Weihnachten! :)

[@aliasalias1213]

Vielen Dank. Ihnen auch.😀

[@paulsilva3346]

Merry Christmas from Northern California to you both.

[@NickanM]

God Jul! 🎄🎁 (From Northern Sweden 🇸🇪)

[@YallAintRight]

Merry Christmas!

[@HarryWHill-GA]

Merry Christmas to you and yours Sal. I have heard that the cranes were intended for Libya to build a maintenance facility to replace the lost Russian facilities in Syria. The Vladivostok may or may not be the eventual destination but the cranes are intended for Libya.

[@oldcynic6964]

Hmmm, I find that hard to believe. According to the map at 7:02, the ship sailed from Russia on 24 November - around the date that the rebellion in Syria started. (HTS took Aleppo on 30 November) It seems _unlikely_ that the Russian government could have assessed the fall of Assad as imminent, and built the cranes in just a few days, and found this ship in a convenient location, with sufficient capacity to take the cranes to the Med.

[@Davey-Boyd]

@@oldcynic6964 The Russian plan for a new Libyan port goes back a long time. It's been discussed/negotiated for some years. The cranes could be intended for Libya as has been reported, and unconnected to what happened in Syria.

[@bluppblupp3616]

@@oldcynic6964 The cranes are harbour mobile cranes from Liebherr (LHM 420). Bought before the invasion of the Ukraine. Most likely only a routine shipment, St. Petersburg lost a lot of traffic due to the sanctions and I guess that is less of an issue in Vladivostok.

[@paulputnam2305]

Thank You for the informative update. The Russians are really keeping you busy. I really like the Tropical Santa shirt! Have an absolutely awesome Christmas!

[@matthewschoen9827]

"Where did all of our Cargo ships go?" *Suspiciously russian cargo ship shaped seafloor* "Man I dunno, it's a mystery."

[@tigersilberhannes9153]

Nato terrorism.

[@maksgon1555]

@@tigersilberhannes9153 😂🤡

[@TheBelrick]

"laCk oF maInteNAnce."

[@GenerationGap69]

Seen fairly violent crankcase explosions from faulty oil mist detectors although I doubt it would cause a sinking when majority of force is contained by crankcase covers. Maybe damaged seachest from corrosion and unable to stop the flooding? Makes for a good table top discussion onboard for identifying possible maintenance issues that may need a closer inspection.

[@MM22966]

For those interested in this ship/incident, H I Sutton also did a hot take that has some additional info.

[@tommychew6544]

RU If falling apart, they haven't been maintaining anything throughout their nation. They are set on a war footing that is dragging them down below their already poor standards.

[@pauln6803]

Exactly. Russia is also known for its endemic corruption. Feed in a shortage of supplies and assistance due to the sanctions, and we may have established at least some of the contributing factors. But since it's unlikely the Russian authorities will release an accurate account (if they perform or contract a proper investigation) we may never know.

[@RandomGuy-hr8sb]

Merry Christmas

[@NunyaBizness-z8f]

Ship built in 2009? Timing make it look more like sabotage than bad maintainence/luck.

[@mazwa2007]

the sea is a very harsh mistress. that is 15 years of service. and the russians have ridden her hard. without maintenance, which ships needs lots of, they very quickly look like wrecks. take a look at any US vessel coming back in from a 6 or 12 month deployment, rusting hulks, but at least they maintain the engines properly. The russians probably have not been doing that.

[@darrylhubbard931]

@What is Going on With Shipping? What a great globe you have!

[@lyfandeth]

Beginning to sound like somewhere there is a Ukranian Kraken trainer who is earning his pay. Happy holidays, Sal. Thanks for covering the news that no one else mentions.

[@boots_n_coots]

“Inspections? We don’t need no stinking inspections!”

[@StevenPalmer-cs5ix]

Condolences to the families of the missing crew members. I read on a maritime news feed they were in the engine room at the time of the explosion.

[@fastmph]

I just found your channel. You’re a great narrator! Thanks for the clear and factual presentation.

[@wgowshipping]

Thanks, glad you like it!

[@theknifedude1881]

Nice shirt Sal. Thank you for all the information you provide.

[@Niskirin]

At least the front did not fall off. This time.

[@rockwoodoneforever7732]

Just like the rest of Russia's vessels and military equipment, no upgrades or repairs were performed. This costs a lot of money, and Putin along with his oligarchs, didn't want to spend that kind of money to maintain their civilian and naval fleets, all military equipment, and crucial infrastructure within Russia. Instead, they spent Russia's treasury on luxury yachts, and summer homes around the world. Russian citizens have been bled dry, as their hard-earned taxes have been spent on everything except what the money was supposed to be spent on - Russian assets. I wonder if most of them even know this, since Putin lies to everyone on the planet. It will be Russia's citizens who will finally get rid of Putin for letting every facet of their country to deteriorate into uselessness.

[@mickkelly-e9i]

True, unfortunately we now get to watch the same with America.