On 12 August 2000, the Kursk nuclear submarine, pride of Russia's Northern Fleet, sank after a torpedo exploded, and the fate of its 118 crew captivated the nation until the tragic conclusion nine days later.
Towards the end of the day the navy deploys a first mini-submarine manned by rescuers, but it collides with the wreckage of the Kursk and has to return immediately."Technical problems" is the terse summary the Russian navy uses on 14 August to announce the accident to the public, after a two-day delay.
According to the navy, the crew, trapped 108 metres down at the bottom of the Barents Sea, has enough oxygen to last until 18 August. He waits until August 16 before making his first statement, appearing in casual dress, describing the situation as "critical".But just hours later he speaks with US counterpart Bill Clinton on the telephone to discuss the rescue mission.
The press accuses the military of lies and questions the cost of human life in post-communist Russia.
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