The sub sank with nine crewmembers on board during a towing operation from a navy base to the place of decommissioning in August 2003.

According to Interfax, studies made around the submarine wreck this summer show that there is no danger of radioactive leaks from the vessel. Still, the Malakhit company, the constructors of the vessel, has been requested to come up with a proposal on how to lift the vessel from the sea bottom. The proposal will be submitted by 10th October, sources in the company confirm, the actual decision to lift the vessel or not will be made by the Russian Navy Command together with the experts from the Kurchatov Institute.