Indian Crew For Cursed Russian Boat

I don't know how accurate this information is.

http://www.nucpros.com/?q=node/5288

Indian Crew For Cursed Russian Boat

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November 9, 2008: Despite Russian and Indian officials refusing to verify long rumored Indian leasing of a Russian nuclear submarine, more information continues coming out that the deal is very much on. Last December, Indian officials seemed to acknowledge that it is leasing at least one Russian Akula II SSN (nuclear attack submarine), which will enter Indian service in 2009. That sub is currently undergoing trials in the Pacific ocean. These are going well, after two weeks, except for the accidental activation of the fire extinguisher system, which killed twenty sailors and civilians, and injured more than twenty. There were 208 people aboard the sub at the time, most of them navy and shipyard personnel there to closely monitor all aspects of the sub as it made its first dives and other maneuvers.

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India also expects to complete construction of its own nuclear sub design in a year or two, and begin sea trials and tests. This boat is based on Russian technology, but is basically Indian designed and built. The Russian Akula will basically serve as a training boat for India's new nuclear submarine force.

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Once the ATV SSN is proven, a modified version will be built as a SSBN (ballistic missile carrying sub). This was how everyone else did it, including the Chinese. Get an SSN operational, then modify the design to include some SLBM launch tubes.

firing of a fire suppression system has happened in the past with tragic and usually in similar circumstances:

"The CAPE DIAMOND's fire suppression system was scheduled to be tested and certified on March 3, 1993. Hiller employees conducted the test, which requires a release of carbon dioxide in various areas of the ship to ensure that timing devices, system valves, dispersement nozzles, and alarms operate properly. The Hiller employees chose to test the system in the engine room first. They did not, however, order an evacuation of the engine room or otherwise ensure that no one was present in that area.

Hiller's employees planned to conduct a "puff test" by releasing a small amount of carbon dioxide into the engine room to activate the timing devices, system valves, and alarms. Because the aft tank main cut-off valve was not completely closed during the test, however, a massive amount of CO2 flooded the engine room. Humphrey, an electrical technician employed by a non-party to this suit, was working in the CAPE DIAMOND's engine room. Both Humphrey and a Coast Guard Marine Safety Inspector were asphyxiated by the CO2 released during the test."