Russian nuclear submarine explosion and fire, all on board reported dead

Mikhail VoytenkoNews
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Russian North-West Region local media on Jul 2 reported explosion and fire on board of Russian Navy deepwater nuclear research station or submarine AS-12, known as LOSHARIK. Accident occurred on Jul 1. According to news, all staff on board, up to 14 people, died in explosion and fire. Ministry of Defence didn’t reveal name of underwater vehicle, number of crew or any other details. According to official statement, fire was extinguished or put under control. Submarine or whatever it is, was “carrying out water biometric research in Russian territorial waters”, understood in Barents sea.
As of 1430 UTC Jul 2, news are sketchy and contradictory, initial news published by local newspaper Severomorsk Life were removed from newspaper website.
Russian Navy Research nuclear submarine AS-12 (nicknamed LOSHARIK) – nuclear deepwater station of Project 10831. It is powered by a nuclear reactor and is believed to be able to operate at a depth down to 6,000 meters. Displacement 2000 tons submerged, length about 60 meters, complement 25 officers (no private ranks).

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My name is Mikhail Voytenko, I’m Russian, professional merchant marine navigator, by education and former experience. I own and run Maritime Bulletin website for more than 10 years. I've been involved in solving a number of piracy hijack cases, including the hijack of ro-ro FAINA, loaded with tanks. It was me who made public, and unravel, freighter ARCTIC SEA mystery. I've been also closely involved in a number of maritime disaster, one of them being MSC FLAMINIA major fire.