The Russian ship Ursa Major sank off the coast of Spain due to an explosion on board.
The incident occurred after an explosion in the engine room in international waters between Spain and Algeria.
The Russian-flagged merchant ship Ursa Major sank on Monday, La Verdad reported.
Fourteen crew members were rescued and taken to the port of Cartagena by the Marine Rescue Service. Two sailors were missing.
The captain of the Ursa Major said there were empty containers on board at the time of the accident.
The ship was sailing between St. Petersburg and Vladivostok when the equipment exploded.
Spain's rescue service has taken charge of the rescue efforts amid possible danger to shipping in the area.
Several ships that were operating in the same area at the time of the accident also took part in the rescue efforts.
Fourteen crew members of the Russian merchant vessel were taken to port for further action.
