The Russian Navy submarine Kursk, a nuclear-powered attack submarine, sank during a naval exercise in the Barents Sea on August 12, 2000. At approximately 11:28 AM local time, the submarine suffered a tragic onboard explosion, which was later determined to have resulted from a faulty torpedo that ignited. The Kursk was conducting a series of maneuvers with several other naval vessels when the explosion occurred, leading to a dramatic loss of power and control. The vessel's crew of 118 members faced dire circumstances following the explosion, with many escaping to the aft section of the submarine, where they awaited rescue.

Rescue efforts were complicated by a variety of factors, including the Russian Navy's initial reluctance to seek international assistance and the harsh conditions of the Barents Sea. After several days of failed rescue attempts, foreign vessels, including the British submarine HMS Totem and the Norwegian ship TGS Tern, were eventually allowed to assist in recovery operations. Unfortunately, upon reaching the wreck site, it was confirmed that all crew members had perished. The tragedy exposed significant shortcomings in the Russian Navy’s operational safety standards, maintenance protocols, and crisis management capabilities.

In the aftermath of the disaster, several inquiries were conducted, and the Russian government faced international criticism for its handling of the situation. The event ignited widespread public outrage over the loss of life and raised questions regarding the transparency of the Russian military. The sinking of the Kursk remains one of the most significant disasters in modern naval history, leading to extensive changes in Russian naval operations and ongoing debates about military readiness and safety.