According to information published by T-Online on March 31, 2023, the Russian Navy is suspected of operating a Priz-class deep-submergence rescue vehicle AS-26 in the area of the Nord Stream pipelines shortly before their explosions.
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Russian Navy's Priz class Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle AS-34. (Picture source: Russian MoD)
The Project 141S (modernized Kashtan class) rescue ship "SS-750" regularly used for training accidents on the seabed, is believed to have been at the scene of the explosions, and it is suspected that its deep-submergence rescue vehicle named "AS-26" may have been used to attach the explosive charges to the pipelines.
About the Prizz class
The Priz class DSRV (Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle) is a type of rescue submarine that was built by Krasnoe Sormovo for the Russian Navy. The Priz class DSRV has been in service since 1986 and is still active today, with a total of 5 completed and 4 currently in operation.
The Priz class DSRV has a displacement of 55 tonnes and a length of 13.5 meters. It has a maximum speed of 3.3 knots and a cruise speed of 2.3 knots, with an ascent speed of 0.5 meters per second. The submarine has a range of 21 nautical miles and a test depth of 1,000 meters.
The Priz class DSRV can accommodate up to 20 passengers and has a crew of 4. It has an endurance of 120 hours with 4 people aboard and 10 hours with 24 people aboard.
The primary function of the Priz class DSRV is to rescue crew members from a distressed submarine. It is equipped with cameras and lights to help navigate in dark and murky waters, and has a manipulator arm for retrieving objects or performing minor repairs. The submarine also has a system for providing medical treatment to rescued crew members.
