BARENTS SEA — 2000 · Major Tragedy
The Kursk Submarine Disaster
On 12 August 2000 the nuclear submarine Kursk, taking part in a major exercise of Russia's Northern Fleet, sank in the Barents Sea after two explosions, killing all 118 people on board. According to the official investigation, a leak of high-test peroxide in a torpedo caused the first blast, which triggered a far more powerful second explosion that destroyed the forward compartments. About 23 sailors survived for a time in a rear compartment. Russia initially refused offers of help from Norway and Britain; Norwegian divers only reached the submarine on 21 August. President Putin's decision to stay on holiday drew harsh criticism. The submarine was raised in 2001.
- Date
- 2000
- Place
- off Severomorsk, Russia, Barents Sea, RU
- Category
- Major Tragedy
- Case Status
- Closed
- Coordinates
- 69.6170, 37.5830 ↗
Timeline of Events
- 12 August 2000Two explosions during an exercise sank the Kursk.
- August 2000Russia initially refused foreign offers of help.
- 21 August 2000Norwegian divers opened the hatch; no survivors were found.
- 2001The submarine was raised from the seabed.
- 2002Prosecutors blamed a faulty torpedo and closed the investigation.
Sources
- BBC News — Kursk closure leaves questions unanswered news.bbc.co.uk ↗
- The Guardian — What really happened to Russia's 'unsinkable' sub theguardian.com ↗
- Wikipedia — Russian submarine Kursk (K-141) en.wikipedia.org ↗
- BBC News
- The Guardian
- Wikipedia
Source grade A: several independent sources, at least one an official record or reference work. If you spot a mistake or something missing, report it with "Suggest a correction" in the app.
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🕯️ This record was prepared with respect, in memory of those who lost their lives.