Russian nuclear weapons sub 'issues major alert' in Mediterranean

A Russian submarinewhich is capable of carrying nuclear weapons has declared a major alert in the Mediterranean Sea.

The Black Sea Fleet submarine Novorossiysk has flagged that an "explosive hazard" is allegedly onboard. It has been reported that the sub is experiencing "serious technical problems". According to Russian Telegram channel, VChK-OGPU, the sub is suffering a leakage of fuel which has created a dangerous hazard. The crew may have no choice but to pump the fuel mixture into the sea, it has been reported. 

It remains unclear on where exactly the incident has taken place within the Mediterranean. The Telegram channel stated: "Novorossiysk, currently on combat duty in the Mediterranean Sea, is experiencing serious technical problems. Due to damage in the fuel system, fuel is leaking directly into the hold. There are no spare parts for repairs or qualified specialists on the submarine, and the crew is unable to fix the malfunctions.

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“The serious accident has caused other problems as well. The accumulated fuel in the hold is an explosive hazard. The source believes the crew has no choice but to start ‘pumping out the hold’ directly into the sea.” The diesel-electric attack submarine is designed to carry nuclear-capable Kalibr missiles, but it is judged unlikely to be doing so on such a mission though it will be heavily armed.

There has been no official statement that the 242ft-long submarine is in trouble, or other reports. The submarine has a crew of 52 and can stay underwater for 45 days. A Royal Navy patrol ship HMS Mersey, a Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron and a specialist submarine hunting Merlin aircraft from 824 Naval Air Squadron monitored the surfaced Novorossiysk submarine as it sailed through the North Sea and English Channel in early July.

In early August, it was spotted passing Gibraltar to enter the Mediterranean. Channel VChK-OGPU specialises in leaks from the Russian security services and law enforcement. It has previously reported other naval accidents asserting cover-ups by the Russian armed forces. The channel gave no further details on the Novorossiysk, which was commissioned in 2014.

The Novorossiysk is a Black Sea Fleet vessel but it is not believed to have been involved in the war against Ukraine. Ukraine claims it sank sister submarine Rostov-on-Don in August 2024.