The Priz AS-28 Russian Submarine Crew Safely Rescued

August 2005

The 'Priz AS-28' submarine and its crew of seven Russian submariners were safely rescued, with the assistance of Kongsberg Maritime equipment onboard a Royal Navy Submarine Service Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky off Russia’s far eastern Kamchatka peninsula, on Sunday 7th August 2005/

Kongsberg cameras helped the ROV successfully navigate and locate the Priz AS-28, which was trapped 625 feet down on the icy Pacific Ocean floor. The ROV spent five hours cutting away at the fishing net cables that kept the submarine trapped. When the final net was cut away, the ROV was recovered and the Priz AS-28 immediately blew its tanks and surfaced three minutes later. The crew opened the hatch themselves, climbing out unaided from the submarine.

Royal Navy Commander Ian Riches praised his ROV operators, and thanked the Royal Air Force for delivering the ROV and its crew, and all the contractors involved with the UK Submarine Rescue Service who make this international capability a reality.

Mike Topp from Kongsberg Maritime in Waterlooville, UK said,

"We are delighted that our equipment has been used to such great effect in this important international rescue operation. It is reassuring that the world’s navies had met only recently to discuss international collaboration on submarine rescue and we are relieved to hear that the Priz AS-28 crew is safe. We commend all those involved in the rescue."