Last
edition, Navy News reported the sinking of the decommissioned
Russian K-159 (November-class) SSN in the Barents Sea on August
29 with the loss of nine crewmembers.
It seems likely to have been lost due to a major leak not a storm
at sea as first believed.
According to reports, the boat’s CO reported a leak at the
propeller joints in compartment nine.
The 10 crewmen endeavoured to seal off the compartment but were
unsuccessful because of the water pouring in. They attempted to
use the last reserves of compressed air to create an air pocket
in the now-flooding compartment eight, but were unsuccessful.
The CO then reportedly recommended the towing vessel let the boat
founder in the shallow waters off Kildin Island but this was rejected.
With compartments eight and nine flooded, the pressure on the
attachments between the sub and her supporting pontoons became
too strong, causing her to break away.
K-159 foundered within a few minutes, with only one survivor.
