First reports reaching DEBKAfile’s military sources
say that a US submarine intercepted a Russian nuclear sub in American
waters opposite Alaska. The Russian sub escorting the nuclear submarine
responded with a Balkan 2000 torpedo and scuttled the US vessel. Urgent
consultations in both the White House and the Kremlin were taking place
on Tuesday night. US Vice President Mike Pence called off an appearance
in New Hampshire after being recalled to Washington for a conference
called by President Donald Trump without explanation.
Russian
President Vladimir Putin cancelled an engagement and headed for the
Kremlin to confer with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and military
chiefs, after learning that 14 submariners died in a fire that broke out
on a nuclear-powered “experimental submarine in Russian waters.” This
account carried in Russian media varies in most respects from the first
reports reaching this site and may refer to a separate incident. They
report between 14 and 17 members of an AS-12 nuclear powered submarine
died of poisonous fumes caused by a fire aboard the vessel. The
submarine was described as experimental and unarmed but often used in
spy missions. It is unclear how many of the 25 crew survived. Local
media suggest four or five are receiving treatment in Severomorsk’s
military hospital for poisoning and concussion injuries. Another news
account said the majority of the officers died in or on their way to
hospital. These reports do not cite the cause of the fire.