DATE=8/15/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=RUSSIAN SUB (L-2ND UPDATE)
NUMBER=2-265503
BYLINE=LAURIE KASSMAN
DATELINE=MOSCOW
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Rescue operations are underway to save 116
Russian sailors trapped in a nuclear submarine lying
more than 100 meters under the surface of the Barents
Sea. From Moscow, Correspondent Laurie Kassman
reports relatives and friends of the ship's crew are
anxiously awaiting news, and fishermen in the area
have been told to stay in port to avoid interfering
with the rescue mission.
TEXT: Russia's Itar-Tass news agency says a first
attempt to lower a diving bell to the submarine
failed. A second attempt was launched soon after.
Experts say the diving bell must be lowered to the
submarine, which is now at the bottom of the Barents
Sea, some 100 meters below the surface. The craft
then has to clamp onto an escape hatch. The problem
is the precarious tilt of the submarine, which is
reported to be lying on the ocean floor at a 60 degree
angle.
The diving bell -- once connected to the ship -- would
then be used as an escape vehicle to ferry up small
groups of sailors on board. The operation would take
hours since there are more than 100 trapped on the
submarine, the Kursk.
The condition of those on board is not known at this
point since there have been no direct communications
links with the crew since Sunday. Crew members
trapped inside have been hammering coded messages on
the metal sides of the ship.
Navy officials say any on-board oxygen supply is
probably running low by now.
Early reports indicated the Kursk may have collided
with another vessel or an unidentified object. Now,
officials say the nuclear submarine may have been
damaged by an explosion on board.
The Kursk is designed to carry two dozen nuclear-
tipped cruise missiles, but Russian officials say it
was not carrying any nuclear weapons at the time of
the accident. So far Russia has turned down U-S,
Norwegian and British offers of help. (Signed)
NEB/LMK/JP
15-Aug-2000 15:00 PM LOC (15-Aug-2000 1900 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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