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Russia: Fire kills 14 sailors aboard navy research submersible Russia: Fire kills 14 sailors aboard navy research submersible
(about 4 hours 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.
The crew were poisoned by fumes as the vessel was taking measurements in Russian territorial waters on Monday. The crew was poisoned by fumes as the vessel was taking measurements in Russian territorial waters on Monday.
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 gave no details about the type of vessel. But Russian media reports say it was a nuclear mini-submarine used for special operations.
The fire was later put out and the vessel is now at Severomorsk, the main base of the Russian Northern Fleet.The fire was later put out and the vessel is now at Severomorsk, the main base of the Russian Northern Fleet.
The defence ministry did not say how many crew members were aboard at the time. The defence ministry did not say how many crew members were aboard at the time. Reports in local media say several crew were injured and taken to hospital.
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.
Russian President Vladimir Putin later on Tuesday pulled out of a scheduled event in the Tver region, north-west of Moscow, to discuss the issue with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu.Russian President Vladimir Putin later on Tuesday pulled out of a scheduled event in the Tver region, north-west of Moscow, to discuss the issue with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu.
Mr Putin described the incident as a big loss for the Russian Navy, and expressed "sincere condolences" to the victims' families.Mr Putin described the incident as a big loss for the Russian Navy, and expressed "sincere condolences" to the victims' families.
Seven captains and two service personnel awarded Russia's highest honorary title, Hero of the Russian Federation, were among those who died on board the vessel, the president said.Seven captains and two service personnel awarded Russia's highest honorary title, Hero of the Russian Federation, were among those who died on board the vessel, the president said.
Mr Shoigu was ordered to go immediately to Severomorsk.Mr Shoigu was ordered to go immediately to Severomorsk.
So, what caused this disaster? It's still not clear what caused the fire, which the crew ultimately brought under control; we don't know how many men survived.
The Russian defence ministry has provided few details. And there are still questions over exactly what vessel was involved.
"A fire broke out," it says, "14 submariners died of smoke inhalation. The cause of the incident is being established." President Putin said the dead included two heroes of Russia and seven captains "of the first rank"- which seems unusually senior - for research work.
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. Some media in Russia are citing sources saying they could have been on board a nuclear-powered submarine, possibly even the secretive AS-12. It is thought to be used for highly sensitive missions.
The AS-12 is a mini-submarine used for deep water research, intelligence gathering and special operations. Mr Putin returned especially to the Kremlin from out of town to order his defence minister to oversee the investigation.
Russia is not the only country to have suffered accidents on submersibles and submarines. The president is clearly keen not to repeat his disastrous handling of the Kursk submarine disaster in August 2000, when 118 men died.
But, in Russia's case, incidents have often ended in tragedy. That accident was shrouded in secrecy - and Mr Putin initially stayed on holiday for several days.
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.
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: