August 19, 2000

    On Monday, August 12th, 2000, a huge Russian nuclear submarine, the Oscar-class Kursk, sank in the Barents Sea while on an exercise with many other ships.

    I've been stalling writing this piece, hoping that somehow I'd be able to make it a positive one about man's temporary conquest over virtually impossible conditions. Now, in the late evening (west coast of North America time) of August 19th, it's clear that there is virtually no hope of finding any of the 118 crew members alive. The rescue mission has turned into a recovery mission.

    This tragedy has drawn the world's attention. For military or ex-military people, there is a bond that in situations like this, transcends political boundaries. For many others, we try to imagine the horror of having to take a breath to stay alive, knowing that each breath brings you closer to death from lack of oxygen.

    Linked below are news reports starting on Monday the 14th, and some related submarine links.

News Reports

Death of the Kursk
A large Web site loaded with information and analyses, from CNN.

UK and Norwegian rescue teams link up
August 19, 2000 - from CNN News.

Blast at Russian sub site 'on Richter scale'
August 18, 2000 - from CNN News.

British rescue chief hopeful for survivors despite damage to Russian sub
August 18, 2000 - from CNN News.

Damaged hatch on Russian sub deals setback to rescue mission
August 18, 2000 - from CNN News.

Setback for Russian sub rescue mission
August 18, 2000 - from CNN News.

Damaged hatch a blow to Russian sub rescue hopes
August 18, 2000 - from CNN News.

'Ocean astronauts' ready for their submarine rescue
August 18, 2000 - from CNN News.

Anger grows amid vigils for Kursk crew
August 18, 2000 - from CNN News.

Survivor relives Soviet submarine nightmare
August 18, 2000 - from CNN News.

The man who built the LR5
August 18, 2000 - from CNN News.

Russia considers dragging sub to shallow water
August 17, 2000 - from CNN News.

Russian sub 'could have two weeks of oxygen left'
August 17, 2000 - from CNN News.

Rescue teams race to site of stricken sub
August 17, 2000 - from CNN News.

British, Norwegians join Russians in trying to rescue stricken sub
August 17, 2000 - from CNN News.

How glider enthusiast may help save Russian sub
August 17, 2000 - from CNN News.

What sank the Russian sub?
August 17, 2000 - from CNN News.

Norwegian camera team captures images of submarine rescue operation
August 17, 2000 - from CNN News.

Submarine drama: A no-win proposition for Putin?
August 17, 2000 - from CNN News.

Deep secrets of the Russian sub missiles
August 16, 2000 - from CNN News.

Damaged nuclear sub 'poses threat to environment'
August 16, 2000 - from CNN News.

Agonising wait of sailors' families
August 16, 2000 - from CNN News.

Norwegian camera team captures images of submarine rescue operation
August 16, 2000 - from CNN News.

Russia Attempts Submarine Rescue 'in the Dark'
August 16, 2000 - from CNN News.

LR5: The world's most advanced submarine rescue craft
August 16, 2000 - from CNN News.

Britain rushes rescue craft to aid Russian sub
August 16, 2000 - from CNN News.

Britain rushes rescue craft to aid Russian sub
August 16, 2000 - from CNN News.

No signs of life on sunken Russian sub; Britain helping in rescue
August 16, 2000 - from CNN News.

Russians brave rough winds, frigid waters in attempt to rescue sub crew
August 16, 2000 - from CNN News.

What sank the Russian sub?
August 15, 2000 - from CNN News.

Submarine disaster deals setback to Putin
August 15, 2000 - from CNN News.

Situation 'extremely grave' for submarine crew
August 15, 2000 - from CNN News.

First bid to rescue submarine crew fails
August 15, 2000 - from CNN News.

First rescue attempt fails for sailors trapped in sunken Russian sub
August 15, 2000 - from CNN News.

Russian rescuers lower submersible into sea in attempt to save submarine crew
August 15, 2000 - from CNN News.

Russian submarine rescue attempt under way in Arctic waters
August 15, 2000 - from CNN News.

Russian navy begins attempt to evacuate sailors from sunken sub
August 15, 2000 - from CNN News.

Russian navy begins attempt to evacuate sailors from sunken sub
August 15, 2000 - from CNN News.

Kursk crew face cold, dark, scary wait
August 15, 2000 - from CNN News.

U.S. mini-sub could be a life-saver
August 15, 2000 - from CNN News.

Sinking a symptom of Russia's military malaise
August 14, 2000 - from CNN News.

A history of accidents
August 14, 2000 - from CNN News.

Norway calls crisis talks on Russian submarine
August 14, 2000 - from CNN News.

Limited options for rescuers
August 14, 2000 - from CNN News.

Bad weather hampers Russian submarine rescue
August 14, 2000 - from CNN News.

Russian submarine rescue bid under way
August 14, 2000 - from CNN News.

Situation grim for Russian nuclear sub crew trapped on sea floor
August 14, 2000 - from CNN News.

Rescuers try to save more than 100 trapped in sunken Russian nuclear sub
August 14, 2000 - from CNN News.

Russian nuclear submarine stranded on the bottom of Barents Sea
August 14, 2000 - from CNN News.

Russian nuclear submarine trapped on bottom of Barents Sea
August 14, 2000 - from CNN News.

Related Links

Kursk Design Features
A graphic with statistics.

Submarine Design History
The evolution of submarine design from it's beginning as a compressed air or human powered warship to today's nuclear power warship. From About's Inventors site.

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