Drydock Kursk Submarine Bodies: A Complex Salvage Operation

The salvage operation for the Russian Navy's Kursk submarine, which sank in the Barents Sea last August, is set to begin soon. The complex task involves lifting and recovering the submarine's bodies from the seabed, a process that requires precise planning and execution.

The first phase of the operation will start on July 10, with a team of 32 divers removing the damaged bow section of the Kursk and drilling holes in its hull. To facilitate this, Smit International's Giant 4 pontoon has been fitted with 26 strand jacks, each capable of lifting up to 900 tonnes.

The Russian Navy, together with the submarine's designer, Rubin, will determine the exact location of the holes based on the design of the submarine's interior. High-pressure water jets will then be used to cut through the steel hull using abrasives.

Once the bow section is removed and the holes are cut, a 11-strong team of divers will work in temperatures ranging from 0-6 degrees Celsius for approximately 1,500 hours to recover the victims' bodies. The divers have been training in Murmansk with special templates to attach raising lines to the inner and pressure hulls of the submarine.

The second phase of the operation will use a different approach, involving a giant cutting chain and dumping the Kursk's bow on the seabed. This will enable the rest of the vessel to be lifted as a compact load.

The cause of the tragedy, which resulted in the loss of all 118 crew members, remains unknown. The salvage operation is being carried out by Mammoet-Smit, a joint venture between Dutch salvage groups Mammoet and Smit International. The Kursk project will be completed in two stages, with the first phase focusing on recovering the victims' bodies.

The operation's complexity is evident from the fact that it requires divers to work at extreme depths for extended periods. However, with the right equipment and expertise, the salvage team aims to complete the task safely and efficiently.

As the operation begins, it is clear that lifting and recovering the Kursk submarine bodies will be a challenging and meticulous process. The success of the salvage effort depends on the precise execution of each stage, from cutting holes in the hull to attaching raising lines and lifting the vessel. With the right expertise and equipment, the team can successfully recover the victims' bodies and bring closure to their families.

Drydock kursk submarine bodies