The alleged “catastrophic failure” of a Chinese nuclear-powered submarine caused the death of 55 sailors, The Times said. The news report was based on leaked British intelligence that said the incident took place in Yellow Sea on August 21. The submarine was identified as 093-417, armed with torpedoes. China denied the loss of any submarine, but the news report has made waves worldwide. The captain and 21 officers are among the dead, the report said.
What happened to the Chinese submarine?
As per The Times report, the submarine was caught in a ‘chain and anchor obstacle’, laid there to trap US and allied submarines.
This reportedly resulted in system failure that required six hours of repair before the submarine resurfaced. By then, oxygen systems malfunctioned, causing the deaths of 55 crew members from hypoxia.
“The on-board oxygen system poisoned the crew after a catastrophic failure,” said British intelligence officials.
Concerns about water contamination
No independent confirmation of the loss of the Chinese submarine has been made public, but experts have discussed the potential consequences for marine life.
“If the incident occurred, the global silence is perplexing. A nuclear submarine sinking should attract global attention as a reactor leak from damage can lead to serious consequences, including water contamination,” a submarine expert told the EurAsian Times.
There are concerns that structural failure in the submarine reactors could release highly radioactive fission products, posing a significant risk to nearby lives and becoming a public safety hazard within a large radius.
All about Type-093 attack submarines
These submarines have been in service for the past 15 years. They are 351-feet-long and armed with torpedoes.
China has six Type-093 attack submarines with a displacement of 6,096 tonnes. These nuclear-powered submarines are designed to be quieter than previous models.
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