A Russian submarine linked to Vladimir Putin is attracting NATO’s attention as it travels along the British coastline. The Novorossiysk, part of the Black Sea fleet, has encountered a fuel leakage issue, posing a potential explosive threat. Although the submarine has the capacity for nuclear armament, there is no confirmation of carrying Kalibr missiles.
Multiple European navies, including French, British, Belgian, and Dutch, have been monitoring the diesel-electric attack submarine as it navigates through various waters. Reports from a Russian source indicated significant technical challenges faced by the Novorossiysk during a recent mission in the Mediterranean.
The Black Sea Fleet dismissed claims of a malfunction, stating that the submarine was on a routine transit and adhering to international navigation regulations by traveling on the surface. Accompanied by a Russian tugboat, the submarine has been under observation by NATO forces, emphasizing vigilance without explicitly referencing any reported technical issues.
Dutch naval forces, including the vessel Zr. Ms. Luymes, alongside a maritime combat helicopter and coast guard, have taken over escort responsibilities from the British military. The Netherlands’ defense ministry highlighted the importance of safeguarding undersea infrastructure from potential threats posed by Russian vessels.
Earlier, the French navy and Belgian Navy deployed resources to monitor the Novorossiysk, while a US Navy patrol plane conducted surveillance near Gibraltar as the submarine headed back to Russia. The submarine is presumed to be heading towards a Russian naval base in the Baltic Sea, with concerns raised about fuel leakage creating an explosive risk in the hold.
The crew onboard is reportedly facing challenges in repairing the submarine due to a lack of spare parts and qualified personnel. As a precaution, the crew may need to pump out the leaked fuel directly into the sea to mitigate the hazardous situation.