Mystery shrouds Russian submarine fire
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Russian officials have faced accusations of trying to cover up the full details of the deadly incident involving a top-secret military submarine
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Jul 2: State media reports that 14 senior officers died of smoke inhalation as result of fire in battery compartment of deep-sea submersible while surveying seabed in Russian territorial waters
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Severomorsk
Barents Sea
NORWAY
SWEDEN 
FINLAND
RUSSIA 
St Petersburg
Moscow

200km 120 miles
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Russian media has identified vessel as nuclear-powered AS-12 submarine – nicknamed “Losharik”
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Main hatch: Connects vessel to host submarine

Hydraulic manipulators

Propulsion shaft

Machinery compartment

Nuclear reactor

Aft compartment

Accommodation compartment

Captain’s cabin

Control room

Mission control

Sonar dome

Batteries are probably in forward compartments
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SPECIFICATIONS

Length: 60m Crew: 25 (all officers)

Titanium spheres built into hull allow water to be pumped inside, helping vessel to cope with water pressure at depths of up to 6,000m

Designed to be carried under belly of larger submarine – such as BS-64 – to avoid detection

Operated by Russian military’s Chief Directorate for Deep Water Research (GUGI)

Can perform topographical research and take part in rescue missions. May even be able to tap and sever communications cables on seabed
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Sources: Global Security, H. I. Sutton       Picture: MIL.RU © GRAPHIC NEWS