The threat of the Komsomolets': A Soviet nuclear submarine has been leaking radiation from the seabed for four decades

"The Komsomolets, or K-278, was the only one of its kind, with a double titanium hull that allowed it to dive to greater depths than any other submarine."

"On April 7, 1989, while sailing in the Norwegian Sea, a fire broke out in compartment 7, forcing the submarine to surface, only to sink shortly afterward."

"According to one of the first Russian investigations, the nuclear material in the warheads came into contact with seawater due to the physical damage the torpedoes themselves sustained."

"The K-278 remains lying on the seabed, buried three meters deep in the sand. Although the structure is still intact, they observed ongoing safety concerns."

The Komsomolets, a unique Soviet submarine, sank in 1989 after a fire, resulting in 42 crew deaths. It now lies at 1,667 meters deep, posing a nuclear threat due to potential seawater contact with its warheads. Initial Soviet missions assessed the submarine's condition, leading to repairs with titanium. Norwegian authorities have since monitored the site, where the submarine remains buried in sand but structurally intact, raising ongoing safety concerns regarding its nuclear materials.

Read at english.elpais.com