Stuff They Don't Want You To Know CLASSIC: What really sank the Kursk?
Dec 22, 2025
The Kursk submarine, a colossal nuclear-powered vessel, met its tragic fate in a catastrophic peacetime accident that shocked the world. Delve into the mysterious circumstances surrounding its sinking, exploring theories of collision and friendly-fire incidents. Learn about the Kursk's impressive design and operational capabilities, alongside its crew's challenges. From official narratives of a torpedo mishap to whispers of secret technology, this discussion dissects the evidence and diplomatic curiosities that followed, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats.
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Kursk's Immense Firepower
- The Kursk was a massive Oscar II nuclear cruise-missile submarine built to threaten carrier groups.
- Its Type 65 torpedoes carried nearly 990-pound warheads capable of catastrophic damage.
Built To Be 'Unsinkable'
- The Oscar II had a double-hull and corrosion-resistant metals to reduce magnetic detectability.
- Its compartmentalized design aimed to let crew survive localized floods, increasing perceived invulnerability.
Single Deployment Amid Budget Strain
- The Kursk completed only one six-month deployment to the Mediterranean in 1999.
- Budget shortfalls left the Russian Northern Fleet chronically underfunded and sailors sometimes unpaid.