The Norwegian Government has said that there are no signs of a radiation leak from the crippled Russian nuclear submarine, the Kursk, which is lying on the seabed northeast of Murmansk. More than 100 sailors are trapped in the vessel; the cause of the mishap is not known, and a Russian news agency is reporting that a collision has been ruled out. Russia's naval commander has said he is not optimistic about the prospects of successfully rescuing the sailors. The Kursk, which is one of the most modern vessels in the Russian Navy, was on exercises when communication was lost. Miniature submarines have been sent to investigate. Their priority is to get oxygen and power supplies to the crew. The United States has said it is ready to give whatever help it can, but so far Russia has not asked for any.
The five-year-old Kursk is one of Russia's most modern submarines, and can stay at sea for four months at a depth of 1,600 feet. It was carrying out fleet exercises with surface ships when radio communication was suddenly interrupted as it settled on the seabed. Russia's nuclear submarine fleet has been plagued with accidents. Plutonium from a sinking in 1989 is still leaking into the sea.
