A satellite image of Russia’s Rybachiy nuclear submarine base in Kamchatka, which houses much of Russia’s Pacific Fleet, shows significant damage after a tsunami triggered by an 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit the region. The image, captured by Umbra Space on Thursday, reveals that one of the piers at the base has bent away from its original position, possibly due to being detached from its moorings, The Telegraph reported on August 1.
While experts suggest that the damage to the pier itself may have little military significance, questions have arisen about potential harm to the submarines docked at the base. At the time of impact, the pier did not appear to be moored with a submarine, which could have prevented major damage to the nuclear fleet, according to The Telegraph.
The tsunami waves, which hit within 15 minutes of the earthquake, caused significant flooding along the Pacific coast of Russia. Footage from other areas showed waves as high as five meters, inundating the port of Severo-Kurilsk, situated farther from the epicenter of the earthquake than Rybachiy. Despite the massive waves, no sign of damage to the nuclear submarines themselves has been reported.
Dr. Sidharth Kaushal from the Royal United Services Institute stated that there were no indications of damage to the submarines, with the primary impact being felt on the pier. Retired Royal Navy commander Tom Sharpe added that the damaged pier, now left at a “terrible angle,” would complicate the process of docking ships and submarines. A tugboat was spotted near the twisted section, suggesting repairs were underway.
Satellite images of the Rybachiy base in Kamchatka before (top) and after (bottom) the earthquake. Aftermath image has captured a pier that bent away from its original position. (Source: Umbra Space)
Satellite images of the Rybachiy base in Kamchatka before (top) and after (bottom) the earthquake. Aftermath image has captured a pier that bent away from its original position. (Source: Umbra Space)
Although the submarines remain unaffected by the tsunami for now, experts caution that future impacts of powerful waves could pose risks, especially for boats undergoing maintenance. Submarines could be damaged if they strike their moorings too harshly, or water could enter open access points during such events.
However, the piers designed for nuclear submarines at Rybachiy are built to withstand seismic impacts, and there is no indication of significant damage to the fleet.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov assured the public that the “earthquake resistance” of buildings and the functioning alert system ensured no casualties across Kamchatka. While the damage to the pier has raised concerns, it seems unlikely to affect the overall functionality of the base or the Pacific Fleet in the immediate future.
Despite assurances, the damage has prompted concerns about Russia’s strategy of concentrating so many critical assets in a single location.
“This is why having multiple bases is a good idea, because you never know when you’re going to get hit by something you haven’t seen coming,” said Tom Sharpe. There is also a possibility that Russia may reconsider the construction standards for piers, particularly the one affected, which has a floating extension.
Previously, it was reported that Russia had deployed the Knyaz Pozharsky, a Project 955A Borei-A class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine built to slip past NATO defenses.
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