A Russian submarine capable of carrying nuclear weapons has raised a significant alert in the Mediterranean Sea. The Novorossiysk submarine of the Black Sea Fleet has indicated the presence of an “explosive hazard” believed to be caused by serious technical issues onboard.
As per a Russian Telegram channel, VChK-OGPU, the submarine is facing a fuel leak, posing a dangerous situation. Reports suggest that the crew might have to release the fuel mixture into the sea due to the lack of repair parts and expertise. The precise location of the incident within the Mediterranean remains undisclosed.
The Telegram channel reported, “Novorossiysk, currently on operational duty in the Mediterranean Sea, is encountering severe technical difficulties. Fuel leakage directly into the hold due to damage in the fuel system is being observed. The crew lacks spare parts for repairs or skilled professionals to address the problems.”
The submarine, a diesel-electric attack vessel designed to carry Kalibr missiles, is likely heavily armed but not confirmed to be carrying nuclear-capable missiles on this mission. Although there is no official confirmation of the submarine’s distress, monitoring operations have been conducted by the Royal Navy in recent times.
In early August, the surfaced Novorossiysk submarine was observed passing through Gibraltar into the Mediterranean. The Telegram channel specializes in disclosing information from Russian security agencies and law enforcement, raising concerns about cover-ups in past naval incidents.
The Novorossiysk, commissioned in 2014, is part of the Black Sea Fleet and has not been linked to the conflict with Ukraine. However, Ukraine has previously claimed to have sunk a sister submarine, Rostov-on-Don, in August 2024.