A Vladimir Putin submarine with fuel leakage issues is under NATO scrutiny as it travels along the British coastline. The Novorossiysk, a Black Sea fleet diesel-electric submarine measuring 243 feet long, is facing a potential explosive hazard due to the leaked fuel in its hold. Although the submarine is capable of carrying nuclear weapons, there is no confirmation of the presence of Kalibr missiles on board, as reported by a Russian source. The vessel encountered technical difficulties during a mission in the Mediterranean and has been closely monitored by the French, British, Belgian, and Dutch navies as it navigates through the English Channel and into the North Sea.
Reports from the Russian Telegram channel VChK-OGPU, connected to intelligence sources, initially highlighted the submarine’s problems during its time in the Mediterranean. The Black Sea Fleet has denied any malfunction or emergency surfacing of the Novorossiysk near France, but did not explicitly address the technical issues mentioned in the reports. The submarine, weighing 3,100 tonnes, is accompanied by a Russian tugboat named the Yakov Grebelskiy. NATO Maritime Command issued a cautionary statement, stating “We are watching,” without making direct references to the reported technical problems.
Dutch forces, including the vessel Zr. Ms. Luymes, an NH90 maritime combat helicopter, and the country’s coast guard, have taken over escort duties from the British navy to prevent any potential sabotage of undersea infrastructure by Russian ships. Previously, the French navy deployed a frigate to monitor the Novorossiysk, and the Belgian Navy dispatched patrol vessel BNS Castor. Additionally, a US Navy patrol plane conducted surveillance over the submarine near Gibraltar as it commenced its journey back to Russia.
The Novorossiysk is believed to be heading towards a Russian naval port in the Baltic Sea. Reports from VChK-OGPU indicate that fuel is leaking directly into the submarine’s hold, posing an explosive risk. The lack of spare parts and qualified personnel onboard has hindered repair efforts, leading the crew to consider pumping out the leaked fuel into the sea to address the escalating problems.
