Latest undersea accident wakes Kursk memory

THE submarine accident occurred almost exactly five years after the nuclear submarine Kursk sank to the bottom of the Barents Sea after explosions on board, killing all 118 seamen aboard in a painful blow to the Russian navy.

Some sailors survived for hours after the accident as oxygen ran out, and Russian authorities were sharply criticised for their handling of the crisis.

Officials refused to confirm what had happened and Russian President Vladimir Putin stayed on holiday during the unfolding disaster.