Russia: SSBN Yekaterinburg Will Be Recovered in Time, Says Vice Premier

January 12, 2012

Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) Yekaterinburg damaged during repair works late 2011 will be recovered and recommissioned into Russian Navy, said vice premier Dmitry Rogozin.

On Dec 29, a fire occurred on SSBN Yekaterinburg staying in floating dock of 82-nd Ship Repair Plant in Roslyakovo, Murmansk region. Supposedly, the fire was caused by hot works; wooden scaffold around the sub ignited. Then flames moved to outer hull and damaged special rubber anti-sonar coating. The fire area was 150 sq meters. Firefighters managed to neutralize the fire on Dec 30. According to EMERCOM, nine persons suffered from the fire on the submarine, i.e. seven crewmen and two firefighters.

“Now I am more optimistic than in December. We have thoroughly examined the whole sub, only first section is damaged. Experts have found technical solutions to recover the submarine and recommission her into the Navy in due time”, told Rogozin reporters on Jan 10. Also, “those solutions will help to compensate descending might of SSBN Yekaterinburg”, pointed out Rogozin.

He added that guilty persons would be named when the investigation was over.

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Naval Today Staff , January 12, 2012