International naval forces are on high alert after a significant incident involving a Russian nuclear submarine that surfaced near UK waters. The 74-meter Novorossiysk submarine, armed with missiles, faced a dangerous situation in the Strait of Gibraltar due to a fuel system leak, causing it to be labeled an “explosive hazard.” Reports indicated that the crew lacked the expertise and spare parts to address the issue, raising concerns about a potential explosion in a busy shipping lane.
Although the Russian Navy has not officially confirmed the event, ship-tracking software and eyewitnesses have observed multiple military powers closely monitoring the submarine’s movements as it headed west towards the Atlantic. A crew member on the submarine revealed that the vessel was experiencing severe technical problems with fuel leaking into the hold, posing an explosive risk that might require discharging fuel into the sea.
The Novorossiysk submarine, equipped with torpedoes and nuclear-capable missiles, had been previously escorted by the Royal Navy near Britain and had operated in the Mediterranean alongside a Russian tug before the recent malfunction. Following the incident, the same tug was observed heading west off Portugal, indicating the submarine’s trajectory towards the Atlantic.
Concerns over a potential explosion prompted the presence of French warships and a Spanish frigate shadowing the submarine, with NATO aircraft monitoring the area. The Strait of Gibraltar, a vital shipping passage, is closely monitored by NATO and the Spanish Navy, with recent military movements becoming increasingly significant for Russia due to restrictions on its Black Sea fleet’s access to the Mediterranean post the Ukraine conflict.
The Kremlin’s reliance on submarines like the Novorossiysk for global operations has been highlighted by the fleet’s restricted access to international waters. Military activities in the area have drawn attention to the strategic importance of the region, with various naval forces keeping a close watch on maritime activities passing through the strait.