Moscow denies Russian submarine stricken off Swedish coast
PR dla Zagranicy
Peter Gentle
20.10.2014 08:30
Sweden is searching the Baltic after “alien underwater activity" was reported following a radio communication in Russian pointed to a stricken craft in the area around the Stockholm peninsula.
Above - Swedish Navy fast-attack vessels are engaged in a military operation in the Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden, 19 October; Below - possible sighting through trees of Russian sub: photos - EPA/MARKO SAAVALA
Swedish Rear Adm. Anders Grenstad has said that there had been three sightings of a “foreign vessel” in the area since Friday but would not confirm reports that it was a stricken Russian submarine.
Helicopters and minesweepers have been searching the area in the Baltic since Friday after the Swedish Svenska Dagbladet newspaper reported a radio transmission in Russian was detected on an emergency frequency on Thursday asking for help.
Russia stations several submarines based in the Kaliningrad enclave, which has borders with Poland and Lithuania.
Moscow has denied any Russian submarines have been reported to be in difficulty, however.
“No extraordinary, let alone emergency situations have happened to Russian military vessels,” a source within the Russian military is quoted by the state-backed TR broadcaster as saying.
Tension in the area has increased since the outbreak of conflict in eastern Ukraine.
Sweden scrambled jets after the Swedish Expressen newspaper reported an incursion by two Russian SU-24 fighter bombers into national airspace. (pg)