In Severomorsk, Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu held a meeting with the special commission established to find out what caused the fire on the deep-sea research vehicle. According to Shoygu, all of the deceased officers will be granted state decorations. Konstantin Sivkov, military expert and member of the Russian Academy of Rocket and Artillery Sciences is now live.
- Hello, Mr. Sivkov! The first question is about possible causes of the tragedy and the crew's actions in this situation.
Konstantin Sivkov, military expert and RAMAS member: What is known now is that it was the ignition in the battery compartment that caused the accident on the deep-sea vehicle, which caused the death of a large part of the crew. But they managed to extinguish the fire, save the vehicle, and four people survived.
- Is it true that today new details of the accident have been revealed? As far as I know, a captain 1st or 2nd rank saved a civilian specialist.
- Yes, Captain 2nd Rank Solovyov saved a civilian specialist at the expense of his life. He'll be granted the title of Hero of Russia.
- What conclusions do you think can be drawn from this tragedy?
- Only one conclusion is to be made: a submariner's military service is very risky. And the government should pay special attention to those serving on submarines both materially and rhetorically. I strongly believe that the whole country must know those who performed this feat.
- What risks do you think extinguishing a fire on a submarine is fraught with? What could the fire in the battery compartment have entailed?
- What risks? Imagine a fire on a submarine. You can't run out. You're deep underwater. If you don't extinguish the fire, you'll burn together with the vehicle and die. You're safe if you manage to extinguish the fire. The risks are extremely high. One should be aware of them. It's a special situation.
- Thanks, Mr. Sivkov! That was Konstantin Sivkov, member of the Russian Academy of Rocket and Artillery Sciences.
