Background
The collision between the USS Baton Rouge and a Russian Sierra Class submarine K-276 Crab (later named the B-276 Kostroma) occurred on February 11, 1992, in the Barents Sea, near the Russian naval base of Murmansk. The USS Baton Rouge was a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarine of the United States Navy, while the Russian vessel was a Sierra I-class nuclear-powered submarine.
The incident happened during a period of increased tension following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in late 1991. Both vessels suffered minor damages but there were no casualties on either side. The United States claimed that the USS Baton Rouge was operating in international waters at the time of the collision, while the Russian authorities claimed that the American submarine was conducting espionage operations in the vicinity of their naval base.
The incident led to a temporary increase in tensions between the United States and Russia, with both sides accusing the other of operating irresponsibly. It also highlighted the risks associated with the operation of nuclear-powered submarines in close proximity to each other. Following the incident, both countries agreed to work on improving communication and operational procedures to avoid similar accidents in the future. Despite this, the incident remains a notable example of the dangers associated with submarine operations during a period of geopolitical tension.
Document Archive
Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) Records
DIA Records Released on the Incident [10 Pages, 2MB]
Note: These DIA records were first requested by The Black Vault in 2005! They were originally denied in full, and exempt from release due to them being entirely classified. In 2016, The Black Vault filed again to try and pry them loose. The above is the result.
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Records
CIA Intelligence which contained references to this incident [16 Pages, 700kb]
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