Russian Kilo-Class Submarine Declares 'Explosive Hazard'

The Black Sea Fleet Kilo-class submarine Novorossiysk has reportedly declared an "explosive hazard" after a serious fuel leak while operating in the Mediterranean near the Strait of Gibraltar. Russian Telegram channel VChK-OGPU says fuel accumulated in the hold and, lacking spare parts and qualified specialists, the crew may have to pump contaminated fuel into the sea, increasing the risk of an onboard explosion and environmental discharge. The vessel, a 242-foot diesel-electric submarine capable of carrying nuclear-capable Kalibr missiles, was observed transiting past Gibraltar and had earlier been tracked by Royal Navy aircraft and ships during passages through the North Sea and English Channel. Reporting says the Novorossiysk is judged unlikely to be carrying warheads on this Mediterranean deployment. Multiple outlets rely on Telegram-sourced claims and tracking observations, and authorities have not independently verified the technical failure or any discharge.