Deep Submersible Fire Deaths 14, Including 2

Source: Russian Satellite News Agency

Overseas Network, July 3 - On July 1, local time, a Russian scientific research deep-sea submersible caught fire in Russian waters, killing 14 people. Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed that seven of the 14 victims were senior military officers and two of them had won the title of "Russian Hero", the highest honor in the country.

According to the Russian Satellite News Agency and today's Russian website, Putin met with Defense Minister Shaigu after learning that a deep-sea submersible had caught fire. "It's a huge loss," Putin said. "It's not an ordinary submersible, it's a research submersible."

Putin also said in his first public statement after the accident that the personnel on the deep-sea submersible were highly qualified experts, including seven naval colonels and two people who won the title of "Russian Hero". "The deaths of these 14 people are a great loss to Russia and our fleet."

Putin asked Shaugou to provide assistance and support to the families of the victims and ordered the defense minister to leave for North Morsk, where the deep-sea submersible is currently located, to supervise and investigate the incident and report back to him on his return. The Russian Commission of Inquiry is currently investigating the incident, and the Russian Navy Commander Nicolas Yevmenov is also presiding over the investigation. So far, the cause of the fire is not clear.

The Russian Defense Ministry said earlier, "This submarine serves the Russian navy. The team on the submersible took self-sacrificing action after the fire, extinguishing the fire.