20 Dead in Russian Nuke Sub Mishap [dri]

Over 20 people have been killed after a firefighting system went off during sea trials of a nuclear submarine in Russia's Pacific Fleet, a senior navy commander was quoted as saying by the ITAR-TASS news agency.

"During sea trials of a nuclear-powered submarine of the Pacific Fleet the firefighting system went off unsanctioned, killing over 20 people, including servicemen and workers," Igor Dygalo said, without giving any details of the circumstances of the accident.

"The submarine is not damaged, its reactor works as normal and radiation levels on the submarine are normal," Captain Dygalo said.

Reuters is also reporting that 21 were injured during the mishap.

According to a web site investigating the sinking of the Russian Submarine "Kursk" in 2000, there are four methods used to extinguish fires on Russian naval vessels:

"The first is to vacuumize the compartment, then the oxygen burns away and the fire ceases. The second is to use the fire-extinguishing foam, which cuts access for oxygen into the fire zone. The third is to supply a chemical noble gas into the compartment. And, finally, the fourth is to flood the compartment with water. The fourth method is rarely used in submarines..."

Via commenter deadline527 at abovetopsecret.com

posted by xgenghisx at 08:26 PM

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