DATE=8/14/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=RUSSIA / SUB (S)
NUMBER=2-265430
BYLINE=BILL GASPERINI
DATELINE=MOSCOW
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: A Russian nuclear submarine is lying crippled
on the sea bottom in Arctic waters. Officials say the
submarine's engine failed and it sank during a routine
exercise. A Russian spokesman says there are no
radiation leaks. As Bill Gasperini reports from
Moscow, rescue operations have begun.
TEXT: Rescue vessels have arrived at the scene and
have established radio contact with the crew of the
stricken submarine, which is lying on the bottom of
the Barents Sea in the Russian Arctic.
A Russian Navy official says there are no nuclear
weapons on board the sub, which was taking part in
routine exercises when it began to malfunction. The
technical problems forced the sub to descend to the
sea floor.
The navy spokesman says the submarine's nuclear-
powered engine has been taken off-line, and that no
radiation leaks are reported.
Known as the Kursk, the submarine is one of the newest
in the Russian fleet, having gone into service in
1995.
The Kursk can carry up to 24 nuclear ballistic
missiles; it normally has more than 100 crew members
on board.
The Russian military has experienced numerous problems
in recent years, primarily due to a lack of funding.
There has been little money available to properly
maintain weapons, vehicles and other equipment, and
accidents have been common. (Signed)
NEB/BG/WTW
14-Aug-2000 05:47 AM LOC (14-Aug-2000 0947 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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