Nuclear submarine accident claims 20

November 9, 2008, 20:02

Twenty people have been killed and 21 injured on a Russian nuclear submarine in the Pacific Ocean. The vessel was taking part in sea trials when the fire extinguishing system was activated accidentally. The submarine is now back at a naval base in Russia's Far East.

It happened during naval exercises in waters off Russia's Pacific coast.

There were 208 people onboard the vessel at the time, 81 of them servicemen. Among those killed are 17 shipyard workers and 3 military servicemen.

Vladimir Markin from the Investigative Department of the Prosecutor General’s Office said:

“First forensic checks have revealed that the death was caused by the freon gas, which was ejected after the fire extinguishing system was activated.”

Among the survivors 20 people have light-degree poisoning and one person has suffered from medium degree poisoning. An aide to Russia's Navy Chief Igor Dygalo said they should now make a full recovery.

The submarine was on sea trials and was supposed to soon enter the Russia Fleet. The distressed submarine has been escorted by an anti-submarine ship and a rescue vessel to a temporary base in Russia’s Primorsky region in the Far East.

Dygalo said the vessel has not been damaged and there was no outbreak of radiation. However, further tests to be conducted on it have since been cancelled.

Russia’s President Dmitry Medvedev has instructed the Defence Ministry to conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the accident, and provide the necessary assistance to the victims’ families.

A criminal case has been launched and various examinations are currently underway to determine the cause of the accident.


Previous accidents

The deadliest Russian submarine accident occurred on August 12, 2000, in the Barents Sea when the Kursk sunk at a depth of 107 metres, killing 118 people. The nuclear sub was lifted from the seabed in June 2002.

Three years later, on August 30, 2003, another nuclear submarine K-159 sunk in the Barents Sea. Of 10 crew members only one person was saved. The sub was deactivated and was going to be recycled.



Related links:

Russia starts production of nuclear subs with cruise missiles
Russia joins NATO for historic sub exercise