Potential Damage Reported at Russian Submarine Base Following Earthquake
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petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy,Russia – November 23,2023 – Satellite imagery suggests possible structural damage to the Rybachiy submarine base on the Kamchatka Peninsula following a powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake on November 21st. The New York Times, citing analysis of commercial Planet Labs satellite photos, reports that a section of one pier at the base appears to have become detached.Though, the remainder of the facility, including five submarines and other vessels, appears to be intact, and international monitoring agencies have detected no unusual radiation levels. Russian authorities have yet to officially confirm the damage.the incident raises concerns about the long-term resilience of this critical Russian naval facility, particularly given it’s location near the earthquake’s epicenter. Hindustan Times has not independently verified the reported damage.
Strategic Importance of Rybachiy Base
the Rybachiy base, located approximately 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) southeast of the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy in Avachinsky Bay, is a key component of Russia’s Pacific Fleet. Originally constructed during the soviet era, the base serves as a vital maintenance and operational hub for Russia’s nuclear submarine fleet.
Recent years have seen meaningful upgrades to the facility, including the installation of two new floating piers completed after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. These piers are designed to accommodate Russia’s latest generation of nuclear-powered ballistic missile and attack submarines. The base is heavily guarded and access to both the facility and the closed town of Rybachiy (population approximately 1,500 as of 2022) is strictly controlled by the Russian military.
Earthquake and Aftermath in Kamchatka
The November 21st earthquake, centered roughly 217 kilometers (135 miles) off the coast of Kamchatka, triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific Ocean, including in Hawaii, French Polynesia, Chile, and Japan.While significant waves were generated, they largely remained offshore, preventing widespread coastal flooding. Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, the largest city on the peninsula and a major port, experienced only minor damage.
The Kamchatka Peninsula, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, is highly seismically active. Following the initial quake,the region has experienced numerous aftershocks,including a magnitude 5.0 earthquake recorded approximately 108 kilometers (67 miles) southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy on November 22nd. Volcanic activity has also increased in the region, with monitoring of the Klyuchevskaya Sopka volcano, one of Kamchatka’s most active, being heightened.
Submarine Fleet at rybachiy
Rybachiy is believed to be a primary base for Russia’s Project 941 Akula-class (NATO designation Typhoon-class) ballistic missile submarines, though their operational status is debated. Currently, the base is known to host at least three submarines:
BS-336 Alexander Nevsky (Project 941 Akula): A ballistic missile submarine undergoing modernization.
BS-339 Vladimir Monomakh (Project 941 Akula): A ballistic missile submarine.
K-44 Ryazan (Project 667BDRM Delfin*): A diesel-electric ballistic missile submarine.the potential damage to the pier, even if limited, underscores the vulnerability of critical infrastructure in seismically active zones and highlights the strategic importance of maintaining the operational readiness of Russia’s submarine fleet in the Pacific. Further assessment is needed to determine the full extent of any damage and its potential impact on Russia’s naval capabilities.
