Russia

20 dead in submarine accident

Article published on the 2008-11-09 Latest update 2008-11-09 14:40 TU

A Russian Akula-class submarine, seen during manoeuvres in July 2008.
(Photo: Reuters)

Twenty Russian sailors and civilians were killed when the fire extinguishing system aboard a submarine went off during naval manoeuvres in the Sea of Japan, the Russian navy reported Sunday. The incident occurred aboard the Nerpa, a Project 971 Shchuka-B attack nuclear-powered submarine, known inside Nato as an Akula-class submarine, the state RIA Novosti news agency said.

Russian Pacific Fleet spokesperson Igor Dygalo said that sailors and shipyard workers were suffocated when freon gas was released inside the submarine as part of a false fire alarm. Freon gas absorbs oxygen and was used to suffocate flames in the internal fire extinguishing system.

The submarine was undergoing sea trials and tests as it was being prepared to be delivered to India, the Agence France Presse reported.

There were 208 people on board at the time of the incident, 81 of whom were servicemen. Six sailors and 14 civilians were reported dead.

Twenty one injured were transferred from the submarine to another ship before being taken to hospital in Vladivostok.

This was the worst Russian sea disaster since the submarine Kursk sank in the Barents Sea in August 2000, killing all 118 people aboard. At the time, Russian President Vladimir Putin was criticised for reacting slowing and refusing international assistance.