Petr Veliky honored legacy of Komsomolets

02.04.2010
Sailing through Norwegian Sea, nuclear-powered missile cruiser Petr Veliky stopped to honor legacy of crew of nuclear submarine Komsomolets perished in April 1989 in consequence of large-scale fire.

Sea is always different – in various parts of the world sea has different color, waves and even flavor. But there are some points at the World Ocean where sea is always the same for Russian sailors. Petr Veliky passes one of such points. It is just right there shipwrecked nuclear submarine Komsomolets on April 7, 1989.

Navy has an array of traditions. But the most essential and respected one is tribute to the memory of those who failed to return.

Komsomolets was the world's newest and most advanced submarine in that time. She set up a number of records; maximum diving depth – 1,020 meters – is still inapproachable for any sub. Fire occurred in the sub and dropped the curtain of short but glorious history of this submarine.

Traditional wreath from the crew and all mourning words are just a covering of the tradition. The main thing is that such activities give a chance to young sailors and cadets to feel what the real sea is and how it differs from promo pictures of golden beaches and azure waters.

Same like back in April 1989 the weather in the Norwegian Sea matches the atmosphere. Just more snow and fewer waves. The wreath drifted away was perfectly seen from Petr Veliky. It is both memory to those who died and hope that such tragedy will never occur again.

Source: Zvezda TV Channel, photo: nuclear-powered missile cruiser Petr Veliky (ITAR-TASS)