A Russian cargo ship that sank off the south-east coast of Spain 17 months ago may have been carrying nuclear submarine reactors destined for North Korea, according to reports.
The Ursa Major, a 142 metre-long, Russian-flagged ship owned by the state-linked Oboronlogistics company, suffered a series of mysterious explosions before eventually sinking.
According to sources, the ship was en route from the French port of Cherbourg to the Spanish port of Cartagena when it encountered difficulties.
While the exact circumstances surrounding the sinking are still unclear, reports suggest that the ship may have been carrying nuclear submarine reactors bound for North Korea.
The potential involvement of Western military forces is also being investigated, with some speculating that the ship may have been targeted in a covert operation.
The UK Government has thus far declined to comment on the matter, but the revelation has sparked concerns about the potential implications for global security.