SSN Ak Bars is on fire

20.02.2010
Fire at dismantled Project 971 nuclear submarine K-480 Ak Bars has been brought under control, although not extinguished completely.

A fire occurred in Severodvinsk shipyard Zvezdochka on Friday. Cable routing ignited during gas cutting works at third compartment and caused concentrated smoke. The shipyard had taken initial steps to extinguish the fire but they were ineffective. The compartment was watered and all staff was evacuated.

"Presently, the fire has been brought under control. The shipyard managed to eliminate the problem without assistance of EMERCOM", reported Evgeny Gladyshev, the shipyard's press service official.

The fire alarm signal was received by Severodvinsk Civil Defense Department at 03.30 pm local time; however, help of EMERCOM was not needed as the shipyard has own fire brigade.

Press release of Severodvinsk administration says "nuclear fuel had been discharged; no radiation hazard". Radiation monitoring service of OJSC Zvezdochka is conducting continuous environmental control; there were no disallowance of radioactive agents in populated areas of Severodvinsk.

K-480 Bars [since 1997 – Ak Bars] is a Project 971 nuclear-powered attack submarine, lead sub of the project. She was built at Sevmash shipyard and delivered to the Navy in 1988; served in Northern Fleet 3rd Submarine Flotilla; decommissioned in 2002; towed for dismantling to Severodvinsk in 2007.

Source: RusNavy.com, photo: SSN Bars (news.rambler.ru)