NATO is closely monitoring a limping Putin submarine sailing on the surface through the English Channel and the North Sea. The diesel-electric Black Sea Fleet submarine Novorossiysk is reported to have suffered a fuel leakage into the hold, creating an “explosive hazard”.
The 243-ft long submarine – potentially capable of carrying nuclear weapons, although there is no evidence it has Kalibr missiles on board – has been reported by a Russian source to be “experiencing serious technical problems” after getting into trouble on a mission in the Mediterranean. In recent days, the Varshavyanka-class diesel-electric attack submarine Novorossiysk has been under close observation of the French, British, Belgian and Dutch navies as it passed Brittany, through the English Channel and into the North Sea. Russian Telegram channel VChK-OGPU – with links to intelligence sources – first reported the vessel’s problems when it was in the Mediterranean last month.
On Monday, the Black Sea Fleet denied a “malfunction and emergency surfacing of the submarine Novorossiysk, off the coast of France” without specifically refuting that it was suffering technical problems, according to a RIA Novosti report. It was on a “scheduled inter-fleet transit” and “according to international navigation rules, submarines pass through the Strait of Dover exclusively on the surface”, according to the state news agency.
VChK-OGPU had reported “fuel is leaking directly into the hold” on the submarine. “There are no spare parts for repairs or qualified specialists on the submarine, and the crew is unable to fix the malfunctions,” it added. “Other problems have begun to occur due to the serious accident. The fuel accumulated in the hold is an explosive hazard.”
The channel’s source warned the crew has no choice but to start “pumping out the hold” directly into the sea.
The submarine, displacement of 3,100 tonnes, is accompanied by an escorting Russian tugboat – the Yakov Grebelskiy. It can remain at sea for 45 days, powered by diesel generators and an electric motor.
NATO Maritime Command issued a warning – “We are watching” – but did not allude to any alleged technical problems on the vessel.
Dutch reports said the country’s navy, and particularly the vessel Zr. Ms. Luymes, along with an NH90 maritime combat helicopter and the country’s coast guard, had taken over escort duties from British forces.
“The Netherlands shows vigilance and prevents Russian ships from sabotaging undersea infrastructure,” said a Dutch defence ministry spokesperson.
Earlier, the French navy deployed a frigate to monitor the Novorossiysk. The Belgian Navy sent out patrol vessel BNS Castor. A US Navy patrol plane had flown over the submarine for several days in a row off Gibraltar as the submarine began its route back to Russia, according to reports.
The Novorossiysk is assumed to be heading for a Russian naval port in the Baltic Sea.