Russian President Vladimir Putin offered his deep condolences to the families of the 14 sailors killed in the fire aboard a Russian navy submersible.
"I offer my sincerest condolences to the families of those killed. Everything possible must be done to help and support them," the head of state said at a meeting with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.
The president stressed that the tragedy had occurred on board an uncommon research vessel. "The crew were top professionals. According to your early reports seven among the 14 casualties were captains I rank, two were heroes of Russia," Putin said. "This is a big loss for the fleet, for the army in general," he added.
Putin also instructed the Defense Minister to fly to Severomorsk to ensure a thorough investigation into the reasons behind the fire aboard a Russian navy submersible.
Fourteen submariners died in a fire that broke out in a submersible vehicle in Russian waters on July 1.
