Sailor died saving the ship and the crewmates

07.10.2010 Sailor of Pacific Fleet (PF) destroyer Bystry was posthumously put forward for a state award. On Sept 24 Aldar Tsydenzhapov prevented an explosion on board and by this saved lives of 300 crewmembers at the expense of his life. Investigators are trying to find out reasons of the tragedy. Besides, the local authorities have already made a decision – a street will be named in honor of the 19-year old hero in his native town Aginskoye.

Aldar had been always just like on his photograph – quiet and self-confident. His mother says she has proud of Aldar more than of her other three children, especially when her son was conscripted to the Navy. Aldar was supposed to take discharge in a month.

"All of my kids have different tempers. Among others, Aldar was the calmest and the most prudent. He always thought before saying", recalls the hero's mom. "His twin-sister is widely different".

Aldar's brother Bulat says he had always said "first service, then studies". He was going to continue contractual service after discharge.

Aldar was posted to the Far East and served on PF destroyer Bystry. In the day of accident the ship was prepared to sail towards Kamchatka within a task group; nothing signified a tragedy.

As other sailors said, pressurized fuel dropped on lamp and ignited. That happened in the boiler room. So far, it is uncertain whether the fuel pipe was ruptured or the fusible plug burnt. Finally, the residual blend under heavy pressure puffed out and inflamed.

Aldar Tsydenzhapov was the closest to the boiler. Three other seamen were around there and also started to extinguish the fire but when realized that was ineffective, they scurried for exit. Aldar remained at his battle station and managed to shut off the fuel.

"His skilled and expert actions prevented the ignition from outgrowing to a huge fire and let the command bring the fire under control and extinguish it, having kept the ship serviceable and the crew alive", said Vladimir Piskaikin, deputy commander of missile ships task force.

Experts say that if the boiler exploded, all crewmen could die. "There was a threat of a large-scale fire, and the consequences would be more tragic. It is hard to imagine how the boiler could behave", agrees Alexei Konoplev, motion department commander of PF destroyer Bystry.

Aldar was heavily burnt and the hospitalized. Several days doctors had been trying to save him, but failed.

PF procuracy holds an inquiry into the accident. Special board has to give the distinct conclusion about reasons of the tragedy.

All cruises of PF ships are suspended until the investigation is over. PF command put forward for awards all four seamen being in the boiler room during the fire. Aldar Tsydenzhapov will be awarded posthumously.

His berth will never be occupied. Crewmates hung Aldar's photograph over it. There's a native ship behind the hero.