Kursk submarine tragedy: 15 years on, families no closer to truth RBTH
A Russian boy stands by portraits of Kursk submarine victims in their barracks during a memorial ceremony in the Russian Arctic port of Vidyayevo, August 12, 2001. Source: Reuters On Aug. 12, 2000, the Russian submarine Kursk sank in the Barents Sea after being rocked by two explosions. Most of the crew of 118 died instantly, but 23 survived for several hours. However, questions continue to surround the disaster – was Russia too slow in accepting international help and could the lives of some of those trapped on the stricken sub have been saved with more decisive action? RBTH spoke to the families of several of the dead and one of the rescue divers about their experiences.