01:24Russia: Navy gets brand new deep sea rescue vessel 16 years after Kursk disaster
The Russian navy's latest and most advanced rescue vessel, the Igor Belousov, arrived at Vladivostok on Monday for permanent deployment.
The ship was initially commissioned in 2005 after the Kursk submarine disaster revealed the need for Russia to have its own recovery and assistance vessel to aid stricken subs. However, funding for the project dried up leading to delays. The Igor Belousov was finally launched on December, 24.
The Belousov is able to connect with any wrecked submarine up to a depth of 700 metres (2296,5 ft) supply oxygen and even take on board 60 submarines for decompression. It carries underwater equipment and an advanced deep-water diving complex. Additionally, it is equipped with a landing pad for helicopters, decompression chambers, and even advanced weaponry.
Captain Alexey Nekhodtsev praised the advanced equipment: "everything is computerized and automated. It is comfortable to navigate and has excellent nautical qualities".
After sea trials with the Baltic Fleet, the vessel left the Baltiysk base on June 1 and travelled over 14,000 nautical miles (25,928km) on its way to Russia's far east.
01:24The Russian navy's latest and most advanced rescue vessel, the Igor Belousov, arrived at Vladivostok on Monday for permanent deployment.
The ship was initially commissioned in 2005 after the Kursk submarine disaster revealed the need for Russia to have its own recovery and assistance vessel to aid stricken subs. However, funding for the project dried up leading to delays. The Igor Belousov was finally launched on December, 24.
The Belousov is able to connect with any wrecked submarine up to a depth of 700 metres (2296,5 ft) supply oxygen and even take on board 60 submarines for decompression. It carries underwater equipment and an advanced deep-water diving complex. Additionally, it is equipped with a landing pad for helicopters, decompression chambers, and even advanced weaponry.
Captain Alexey Nekhodtsev praised the advanced equipment: "everything is computerized and automated. It is comfortable to navigate and has excellent nautical qualities".
After sea trials with the Baltic Fleet, the vessel left the Baltiysk base on June 1 and travelled over 14,000 nautical miles (25,928km) on its way to Russia's far east.