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The remains of the Soviet nuclear submarine are a "ticking time bomb"

2026-07-14 08:07:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

The Soviet nuclear submarine Komsomolets, which sank in the Norwegian Sea in 1989, continues to be a concern for nuclear safety and environmental protection experts due to reactor degradation and the risk of radioactive leaks.

The Komsomolets sank on April 7, 1989, after a fire broke out on board. Of the 69 crew members, 42 lost their lives as the submarine sank to a depth of about 1,700 meters off the coast of Norway.

On board are a nuclear reactor and two torpedoes with nuclear warheads, which have raised concerns for years about possible radioactive contamination. After the accident, debates took place among scientists about the level of risk, while in 1995-1996 an operation was undertaken to isolate cracks in the submarine's hull and seal the torpedo tubes, in order to limit leaks.

According to a report published in March 2026 by the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (DSA), the submarine's reactor is degrading and occasionally releases small amounts of radioactive material into the sea. However, Norwegian authorities emphasize that the levels recorded so far have not had a significant impact on the marine environment.

Experts warn that continued corrosion could increase the risk in the future. According to Hans Kristensen, director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists, new inspections are needed to assess the current condition of the ruins, as the plutonium in the nuclear warheads remains a potential hazard for thousands of years.

Norwegian authorities acknowledge that further studies are needed to understand the corrosion process and its potential impact. However, the depth of nearly 1,700 meters where the submarine is located makes any new operation to isolate or extract it extremely difficult.

Even after more than three decades, "Komsomolets" remains one of the most monitored nuclear wrecks in the world and a reminder of the long-term dangers that accidents with nuclear technology can bring./ CNA