News of a distressed military vessel drifting through international waters is never taken lightly, and this week’s reports from the Atlantic have raised more than a few eyebrows. A Russian submarine, already photographed crossing the Strait of Gibraltar, is now believed to be travelling with a serious technical fault — one that poses risks both to its crew and the environment around it. Here is what has emerged so far about this unusual and worrying situation.
A serious breakdown at sea
According to accounts circulating among Russian opposition channels, the submarine B-261 Novorossiysk, part of the Black Sea Fleet, experienced a major malfunction while operating in the Mediterranean. The vessel reportedly suffered a fuel-system failure, causing fuel to leak directly into the bilge — a space never meant to hold flammable liquid.
Compounding the danger, there were allegedly no spare parts or engineers on board capable of carrying out repairs. With fuel pooling in an enclosed space, the risk of explosion is said to be significant. The crew’s only reported option has been to begin pumping out the accumulating fuel and disposing of it at sea, a measure that highlights the severity of the problem.
The International Maritime Organization has repeatedly warned about the environmental hazards posed by accidental or deliberate fuel discharge at sea, noting that even relatively small spills can have lasting effects on marine ecosystems.
@Capt_Navy
— Peter Ferrary (@PeterFerrary) September 27, 2025
Russian Submarine
RFS NOVOROSSIYSK B-261 🇷🇺
Strait of Gibraltar westbound Sep 26 2025 pic.twitter.com/rMMDvH6Mta
By the way the #RusNavy submarine "Novorossiysk" left the Mediterranean Sea yesterday evening and headed into the Atlantic, expected to be en route towards Kronstadt naval base, St Petersburg, Russia. pic.twitter.com/Tan6uIoyyf
— OSINT Military Tracker (@OSINTMilTracker) September 27, 2025
A rare sight crossing Gibraltar
On 26 September, the submarine was photographed transiting the Strait of Gibraltar on the surface — an unusual posture for a vessel designed to operate underwater. Its destination has not been officially confirmed, but naval observers expect it to continue north, likely heading toward a Russian facility for repairs. Ships of this class are known to pass through the English Channel regularly, making that the probable next point of observation.
The Novorossiysk belongs to the Kilo class, a series of diesel-electric submarines built between 1984 and 2016. Measuring nearly 73 metres, with a displacement of up to 3,100 tonnes when submerged, it is operated by a crew of 52, including 12 officers. The vessel relies on dual diesel engines generating around 5,900 horsepower, a propulsion system now reportedly compromised.
Growing criticism from within Russia
Beyond the technical concerns, the incident has drawn sharp internal criticism. Some Russian sources express frustration that increasingly few vessels of strategic value remain operational in the Black Sea Fleet. Several ships have already been damaged or sunk during the ongoing conflict, including the fleet’s flagship, the Moskva.
One naval insider lamented that ships are “returning to base covered with tarpaulins”, suggesting widespread mechanical failures and a shortage of seaworthy assets. Another pointed to shortcomings in leadership and training, arguing that young sailors are being blamed for systemic issues they had no hand in creating.
Such remarks echo previous assessments from international defence analysts, who have noted the deterioration of Russia’s naval capabilities in the region.
A fleet under strain
If the reports about the Novorossiysk are accurate, the episode highlights a broader problem: a fleet stretched thin by conflict, maintenance challenges and ageing infrastructure. With fuel leaking, repairs impossible at sea and safety concerns mounting, the submarine’s journey through the Atlantic is being watched closely by multiple nations.
For now, the vessel appears to be making its way toward a safe harbour — but the situation is a stark reminder that even powerful navies can find themselves vulnerable, not only to opponents but to the failures within their own machinery.
