On 13 October, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte mocked Russia over a submarine allegedly suffering a serious breakdown, while Russia denies any fault and cites legal surfacing requirements.
Mark Rutte’s Comment
Rutte said Monday that the Russian submarine, which had supposedly endured a severe breakdown at the end of last week, was towed and escorted by the Dutch navy.
He further derided Russia’s navy as “practically nonexistent,” describing the vessel as a lone, battered submarine trudging back from patrol.
Comparison to Tom Clancy’s Novel
Rutte likened the situation to Tom Clancy’s 1984 novel *The Hunt for Red October*, suggesting the current scenario resembles a hunt for the nearest mechanic rather than an elusive submarine.
Russian Denial
The Russian Black Sea Fleet states no breakdown occurred. The submarine “Novorossiysk” reportedly surfaced off the French coast to meet navigation requirements for the English Channel.
UNCLOS Compliance
Article 20 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea requires submarines and other underwater vessels to surface and display a flag, a condition Russia claims it observed.
Alleged Fuel Leak
According to the VChK‑OGPU channel, which publishes Russian leaks, the Novorossiysk’s cargo hold was leaking fuel in late September.
