A Russian submarine is reported to have suffered a serious accident in the Strait of Gibraltar, sparking fears of a potential explosion just miles from Spanish waters.
The Novorossiysk, a diesel-electric Kilo-II class sub belonging to Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, is said to have developed a fuel system failure, with diesel allegedly leaking inside the hull.
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According to reports from Russian opposition channel VChK-OGPU, the malfunction has left the 52-strong crew at risk, with suggestions they may be forced to pump fuel directly into the sea as an emergency measure.
No official confirmation from Moscow
The Kremlin has so far remained silent, and state-controlled media have not acknowledged the incident. The claims therefore cannot be independently verified.
Nonetheless, the report has been picked up by outlets including The Sun in the UK and Le Figaro in France. Analysts point out that although the Novorossiysk is part of the Black Sea Fleet, it is not directly engaged in the Ukraine war.
The scare comes just over a year after another vessel of the same class – the Rostov-on-Don – was reportedly sunk by Ukrainian forces in August 2024.
A dangerous theatre
The Strait of Gibraltar is one of the world’s most heavily monitored maritime chokepoints, watched closely by NATO. The Royal Navy has a history of shadowing the Novorossiysk, including an incident in the English Channel when it was intercepted by a British nuclear sub.
The potential accident has inevitably drawn comparisons with the Kursk disaster of 2000, in which 118 Russian sailors perished after an explosion on board.
Where is it now?
It remains unclear whether the Novorossiysk has managed to leave the Strait for repairs or if it is still drifting near the Campo de Gibraltar, within striking distance of Spain’s southern coastline.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
