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Russia: Fire kills 14 sailors aboard navy research submersible Russia: Fire kills 14 sailors aboard navy research submersible
(32 minutes later)
A fire aboard a Russian navy research submersible has killed 14 crew members, the Russian defence ministry says.A fire aboard a Russian navy research submersible has killed 14 crew members, the Russian defence ministry says.
It says the crew members were poisoned by fumes when the vessel caught fire while taking measurements in Russian territorial waters on Monday. The crew were poisoned by fumes as the vessel was taking measurements in Russian territorial waters on Monday.
The fire was later put out and the vessel is now at Severomorsk, the main base of the Russian Northern Fleet in the Murmansk region. The ministry gave no details about the type of vessel. But Russian media reports say it was a nuclear mini-submarine used for special operations.
The ministry did not say how many crew members were aboard at the time. The fire was later put out and the vessel is now at Severomorsk, the main base of the Russian Northern Fleet.
It also did not specify the type of the submersible. The defence ministry did not say how many crew members were aboard at the time.
An investigation into the incident has begun under the commander-in-chief of the navy.An investigation into the incident has begun under the commander-in-chief of the navy.
So, what caused this disaster?So, what caused this disaster?
The Russian defence ministry has provided few details.The Russian defence ministry has provided few details.
"A fire broke out," it says, "fourteen submariners died of smoke inhalation. The cause of the incident is being established." "A fire broke out," it says, "14 submariners died of smoke inhalation. The cause of the incident is being established."
Russian news agency RBK cites a military source as saying the vessel was an AS-12 nuclear-powered sub. There has been no official confirmation of this.Russian news agency RBK cites a military source as saying the vessel was an AS-12 nuclear-powered sub. There has been no official confirmation of this.
The AS-12 is a mini-submarine used for deep water research, intelligence gathering and special operations.The AS-12 is a mini-submarine used for deep water research, intelligence gathering and special operations.
Russia is not the only country to have suffered accidents on submersibles and submarines.Russia is not the only country to have suffered accidents on submersibles and submarines.
But, in Russia's case, incidents have often ended in tragedy.But, in Russia's case, incidents have often ended in tragedy.
In 2000, 118 submariners died after two explosions on board the nuclear-powered Kursk.In 2000, 118 submariners died after two explosions on board the nuclear-powered Kursk.
Eight years later, 20 men on the Nerpa nuclear sub died of asphyxiation.Eight years later, 20 men on the Nerpa nuclear sub died of asphyxiation.
Submersibles are generally smaller vessels with limited crew on board supported by ships on the surface, while submarines are larger vessels capable of operating autonomously over long distances.Submersibles are generally smaller vessels with limited crew on board supported by ships on the surface, while submarines are larger vessels capable of operating autonomously over long distances.
The Kursk submarine, which was destroyed by the blasts in the Barents Sea, was also part of the Northern Fleet.The Kursk submarine, which was destroyed by the blasts in the Barents Sea, was also part of the Northern Fleet.
Underwater tragediesUnderwater tragedies
Accidents involving underwater vessels are rare. Here are some of the most serious:Accidents involving underwater vessels are rare. Here are some of the most serious: