Nizhny Novgorod, Russia — The sinking of the Kursk nuclear submarine last August was shrouded in mystery. Now, so are the prospects of raising the shattered vessel from the floor of the Barents Sea.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and top aides still promise to salvage the Kursk this year. But the timetable has slipped to late summer at best. With a final deal proving elusive between Russia and its international partners in the project, some experts fear time is running out.
Since coming under heavy criticism for its secrecy about the Kursk's sinking, Russian authorities have opened up a bit. But only a bit.
They have released broad outlines of the salvage plan. But submarine experts in Nizhny Novgorod and St. Petersburg express frustration with the limited information, arguing that the issue deserves a greater debate about methods and cost. Nor have Russian officials explained why neither Moscow nor the Western-funded Kursk Foundation has committed funds to the project yet.
The operation is expected to cost $70 million. Western and Nordic nations and the Japanese government have offered to contribute half, setting up the Kursk Foundation to raise and oversee the funding. Russia hopes to get a loan from a Western bank for its share, but officials say they may have to raid the 2002 federal budget instead.
Time is critical. Heavy seas and sharp storms hampered rescue efforts when the Kursk went down Aug. 12 during training exercises in the Barents Sea. Should the salvage teams have to wait until winter sets in, they could face the same obstacles.
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