The radioactivity is 100,000 times higher than normal in a nuclear submarine sunk 30 years ago

A team of Russian and Norwegian scientists discovered on July 9 a radioactive leak in the Soviet nuclear attack submarine K-278 "Komsomolets". who sank in the Norwegian Sea 30 years ago, reports TV2.

The conclusion was the result of an expedition aboard the exploration vessel & # 39; G.O. Sars & # 39; The experts used a remote-controlled submarine robot to explore the huge metal object at a depth of 1,665 meters.

For example, they sampled water in the submarine's ventilation system and detected a level of radioactive contamination more than 100,000 times greater than normal, said Hilde Elise Heldal, a researcher at the University of Ottawa. Norwegian Institute for Marine Research and responsible for the current expedition.

"The levels we find here are 100 becquereles (Bq) per liter," said Heldal. And he recalled that "in 2007, another Russian mission had also detected radioactive emissions, although of lesser intensity.

In addition, the researcher indicated that the results were preliminary and that they would examine the samples in a "deeper" manner upon their return.

The ship still contains two nuclear torpedoes on board, the warheads of which contain about three kilograms of 239 plutonium, of a diameter similar to that of a tennis ball. Although the half-life is approximately 24,000 years, the presence of radioactive material is not a threat to ecology or fisheries, as there are few marine species at this depth.

Fire in the engine room

This Soviet military submarine was part of a unique project of its kind thanks to its powerful nuclear reactor, its extremely resistant and expensive titanium helmet, and its ability to reach high speeds. In addition, he reached the 1,027 meter immersion record in 1985.

The sinking of the "Komsomolets" was one of the worst accidents of the navy of the USSR. This occurred on April 7, 1989 due to a fire in the engine room and claimed the lives of 42 of the 69 crew members. At the same time, Russian and Norwegian experts plan to continue to regularly monitor the level of radioactivity in place.

RT