Russian Navy

Pacific Fleet Commemorates S-178 Crew

10/21/2011

Text: Pacific Fleet Information Support Group
Photo: Monument to perished submarine S-178 in Vladivostok. mail.ru

Pacific Fleet (PF) Project 613V diesel submarine S-178 wrecked on Oct 21, 1981 as a result of collision with reefer RFS-13.

On that tragic day the submarine under command of Capt 3 rank V. Marango was returning to home base after a 2-day cruise. S-178 was allowed to enter the Golden Horn Bay at 7.30 pm. Against the background of coastal illumination, the submarine's watchman noticed RFS-13 when the ship was too close. Marango gave a command: "Right full! Signalman, lighten the meeter!" But it was too late, and RFS-13 hit the submarine's portside. The 6th compartment was flooded in 15-20 seconds. The sub heavily lurched. In 40 seconds after collision S-178 had taken in about 130 tons of water, lost buoyancy, and sank at the depth over 30 meters.

The monument to the S-178 crew was made on the initiative of submariners' community and erected at Marine Cemetery in Vladivostok. It was opened in 1982, on the first anniversary of the tragedy. The monument constitutes metal conning tower sail of an S-class submarine placed on granite pedestal. Bows is directed to the north. An inscription on granite plaque says "To Pacific Fleet submariners of S-178 died on October 21, 1981 in the Sea of Japan". On the right side of the conning tower there is another plaque saying "Lest we forget submariners died performing service duties" and a list of perished crewmen. Thirty two names are engraved on three granite plaques placed at three communal graves. Burial ceremony was held on Nov 5, 1981. Ten submariners were buried at their native regions; six were not found.

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