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Russian Mini-sub Crew Rescued

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050808-12
Release Date: 8/8/2005 3:05:00 PM

From U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- A Russian mini-sub and its seven crew members were successfully brought to the surface by an international rescue team sent to free them Aug. 7. The crew members were alive, and their condition was evaluated by a U.S. medical officer aboard the Russian ship.

In a period of only a few hours from the time of the incident, Russian, British and U.S. resources were readied, deployed and brought to bear in a cooperative effort to free the seven sailors trapped more than 600 feet below the surface for two days.

Close, frequent communications from the very start of the operation between navy officials in Russia, Britain, Japan and the United States greatly facilitated the prompt and cooperative rescue efforts.

“The close team work and global coordination between our navies to rescue these sailors in such a short time is testimony to the spirit and determination of our nations,” said Adm. Gary Roughead, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

In addition to the U.S. Navy doctor, three U.S. Navy divers supported the British remotely operated vehicle (ROV) team aboard the Russian ship in the rescue effort. The British ROV successfully cut the mini-sub free from fishing nets, and the mini-sub was able to surface due to its own positive buoyancy.