DATE=8/20/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=RUSSIAN SUB UPDATE (L)
NUMBER=2-265661
BYLINE=LAURIE KASSMAN
DATELINE=MOSCOW
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Norwegian divers have confirmed the damage to
the sunken Kursk submarine that lies at the bottom of
the Barents Sea. Now they are trying to find a way to
get inside. Correspondent Laurie Kassman has more from
Moscow.
TEXT: Russian state T-V says the Norwegian
reconnaissance team confirms earlier reports that the
rear cargo hatch is badly damaged and so is much of
the rest of the submarine.
Divers are also tapping along the sides of the hull to
find out which, if any, of the submarine's
compartments might still have some air left.
The information they transmit back to the surface will
allow rescue teams to determine their next move and
whether a British mini-submarine can dock with the
Kursk and gain access to the inside.
Earlier in the week, Russian rescue teams had hoped to
use the rear cargo hatch to evacuate survivors. But
the hatch was too badly damaged for a Russian diving
bell to latch on and form a watertight seal around it.
On Saturday, top Navy officials said it was unlikely
that any of the 118 sailors on board the Kursk nuclear
submarine are still alive. That statement provoked
sorrow and anger among hundreds of relatives anxiously
waiting in Murmansk port for any news of their loved
ones.
The Kursk submarine -- the largest and newest of
Russia's elite nuclear fleet -- was on a training
exercise last weekend when it suddenly plunged to the
bottom of the icy Barents Sea. The front section of
the hull was severely damaged by a massive explosion.
The Northern Fleet's chief of staff says the crew
working there would have been killed instantly. Navy
officials are trying to determine the cause of the
accident. (Signed)
Neb/lk/dw/plm
20-Aug-2000 07:03 AM EDT (20-Aug-2000 1103 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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