A Russian Submarine retrofitted with nuclear capabilities has been severely damaged after a “serious accident” in the Mediterranean Sea, per Russian watchdog VChk-OGPU.
The Novorossiysk
The “Novorossiysk”, a massive 242ft submarine, surfaced on Friday, and is now making its way back to the Russian Shore. The electric-diesel submarine can stay underwater for up to 45 days when fully functional and has the capability of carrying nuclear missiles.
What we know
According to the Telegram account VChk-OGPU, “Due to damage to the fuel system, fuel is leaking directly into the hold. There are no repair parts or qualified specialists on board, and the crew is unable to resolve the issue.”
The report added, “The fuel accumulated in the hold is an explosive hazard. A source believes the crew has no choice but to begin rolling the hold back directly into the sea.”
52 souls, unconfirmed payload
The “Novorossiysk” carries a crew of 52 people, and has the capacity to carry nuclear Kalibr missiles, though it’s unconfirmed whether “Novorossiysk” is carrying the specific weapons.
Not the first lost ship
Cheka-OGPU reported that “This is far from the first non-combat loss for the Black Sea Fleet in recent months,”
According to the watchdog, the “small missile ship” “Vyshny Volochok” collided with a civilian tanker just off the coast of Crimea, sustaining serious damage. The incident sparked questions about Moscow’s transparency regarding the state of its Black Sea fleet.
A crumbling fleet
According to a source reporting to Chk-OGPU, Russia’s Black Sea Fleet is in dire disrepair. “One after another, the ships are returning to base with tarpaulin patches. Everyone in the city sees it.”
Their most valuable fleet
These missile-carrying ships and submarines are among the most valuable Russia has, and according to the Kremlin source, the Black Sea Fleet has few.
The incapacitated fleet
After three years of Russia’s attempted invasion of Ukraine, “[their] fleet is being turned into a shelter for the disabled, where half the boats and ships are incapacitated and do not go to sea.”
No comments from Moscow
The Kremlin haven’t commented on the accident, and Russian news sites are not reporting the story, causing speculation about Moscow’s motivations.
Ukraine: Not going as planned
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Since then, at least 70,000 Ukrainian soldiers and at least 130,000 Russian forces have been killed, according to the BBC and the United Nations. Russian troops currently control approximately 20% of Ukraine.