Submariners killed in Russia sub fire: defence ministry
Fourteen seamen have died in a fire on a deep submersible, Russia's defence ministry said on 2 July, adding the vessel was currently at a military base in the northern city of Severomorsk.
‘On 1 July, a fire broke out during biometric measurements on a scientific research deep-sea submersible,’ the defence ministry said.
Fourteen submariners died as a result of poisoning from the fumes of the fire, a ministry spokeswoman confirmed to AFP.
The fire has been put out, the ministry said, adding an investigation was under way.
The research was conducted to study areas near the seabed and the seabed itself in the interests of the Russian naval fleet, the ministry said.
The tragedy has echoes - albeit on a smaller scale - of the sinking of the Kursk submarine in August 2000 that claimed the lives of 118 personnel.
More from Defence Notes
-
![MBDA navigates supply chain pressures amidst increased demand for armaments]()
MBDA navigates supply chain pressures amidst increased demand for armaments
MBDA is adapting to supply chain pressures as the Russian invasion of Ukraine leads to increased demand for armaments.
-
![Why UK defence still faces an uncertain future and difficult decisions]()
Why UK defence still faces an uncertain future and difficult decisions
Despite the additional funding promised this week, the UK armed forces still look set to face cutbacks, and maintaining international commitments to AUKUS and GCAP may limit the options for other programmes.
-
![What's the deal with defence procurement? (podcast)]()
What's the deal with defence procurement? (podcast)
This week on the Shephard Defence Podcast, senior naval reporter Harry Lye and military training & simulation reporter Norbert Neumann chat with Professor John Louth.
