International naval forces have heightened their readiness due to a significant incident involving a Russian nuclear submarine that surfaced near UK waters recently. The submarine, named Novorossiysk, faced a critical situation in the Strait of Gibraltar when a leak in its fuel system turned it into a potential explosive risk, causing diesel to fill its hull.
Reports indicate that the crew lacked the necessary training and spare parts to address the fuel system issue, raising concerns about a possible explosion. Despite the Russian Navy not confirming the incident, various military powers have been closely monitoring the submarine’s movements as it headed west towards the Atlantic after surfacing.
A sailor on board disclosed that the Novorossiysk was encountering severe technical problems, with fuel leaking into the hold, posing a significant danger. Observers noted the submarine’s impressive armament, which includes torpedoes and nuclear-capable missiles.
Following the malfunction, the submarine has been tracked heading towards the Atlantic, with French and Spanish naval vessels shadowing its path to prevent a potential detonation. The region around Gibraltar, a crucial maritime passage, is under constant surveillance by NATO and the Spanish Navy, particularly after the recent incident involving the Russian submarine.
The Kremlin’s reliance on submarines like Novorossiysk has amplified due to restrictions on its Black Sea fleet’s access to international waters, underscoring the strategic importance of such vessels in Russia’s global operations.