Last Thursday, the Russian submarine B-261 Novorossiysk It was sighted surfaceing near the Strait of Gibraltaras reported by various means. This is not unusual in an area that since the invasion of Ukraine began is more frequented by Russian forces. Yes is the reason that forced him to emerge: a fault in the fuel system that caused a leak with a risk of explosion. This information, which is not confirmed by Russia, was published on the Telegram Vchk-GPU channel, which has a reputation for its connections with different intelligence services, and the British press echoes it from it.
According to Vchk-Gpu, the fuel system of the Novalossiysk was so damaged that The fuel leaked directly to the Sentinascreating a situation in which an explosion could occur and that the crew could not repair in the high seas.
The VCHK-GPU Filtered report indicated that There were no spare parts or qualified specialists on board that could solve the failures that extended to other systems. Before the increase in danger, The crew began to pump the fuel accumulated directly to the sea as an emergency procedure to reduce the risk of detonation. The submarine, which was deployed in the Mediterranean, had to remain on the surface near the strait while facing the crisis.
Russian Submarine
Kilo Class
RFS Novorossiysk B-261 🇷🇺
Strait of Gibraltar Westbound Sep 26 2025 pic.twitter.com/h950FFS864– Peter Ferrary (@peterferry) SEPTEMBER 26, 2025
The British press has reported that the incident led to declare an important alert in the Mediterranean, but The current submarine location is unknown, as well as its state. According to The Daily Express, the submarine had been observed during the last weeks carrying out operations in the Mediterranean, working next to the Russian tugboat Jakob Grebelsky. After the fault, the tugboat has been observed moving west in front of the Portuguese Algarve, Which would indicate that the Novalossiysk is also directed to the Atlantic.
The novorossiysk, the most advanced submarine of the kilo class
The B-261 Novalossiysk is the first unit of Project 636.3also known as class Kilo II improved. This is an evolution of Soviet design Project 877 of the seventies that was developed by the office Rubin. The Novalossiysk was thrown in 2013 and joined the following year to the Russian Navy as part of the 4th Independent Brigade of the Black Sea fleet.
The submarine, which measures 74 meters of length, 9.9 manga and 6.1 drafthas a displacement of 2,350 tons on the surface and about 3,100 in immersion. Its propulsion is Diesel-electricalwith two 1,000 kW generators and a main engine supported by auxiliary motors. It can reach Between 11 and 17 knots on surface and up to 20 in immersion. Has an autonomy of 45 days and an operational depth of 240 metersbeing the maximum of 300. The crew is 52 sailorsincluding a 12 officers.
The armament includes 6 533 mm release tubes in bow, with automatic recharge, capable of hosting 18 torpedoes or 24 mines According to configuration. You can also shoot until 4 Kalib (anti -burst, ground attack or anti -submarine) and carry portable systems Strela-3m, Igla-1 either Verbawith up 8 missilesfor air defense.
The helmet is covered with Anechoic tiles that absorb active sonar and reduce acoustic firm. These characteristics, together with modernized sound control systems and fire systems, make project 636.3 The most advanced variant of the kilo family.