New theory on submarine sinking

MOSCOW - A Russian admiral yesterday offered a new explanation for last month's sinking of the Kursk, saying it might have been hit first by a missile fired by another vessel.

Vladimir Yegorov, commander of Russia's Baltic Fleet, said such a strike was one of several possibilities being considered. Others included collision with another vessel or with a Second World War mine.

Yegorov said that no missile strike had occurred during the exercises in which the Kursk was taking part, but something like it could have set off a detonation in one of its own missiles. "During exercises, torpedoes never carry charges. If a strike occurs, conditions are created for detonation. The damage in the [submarine's] first section demonstrates that this version cannot be ruled out."

- REUTERS

Herald Online feature: Russian sub disaster

Russian Centre for Arms Control: OSKAR subs

World Navies Today: Russian subs

Russian Navy official website