Putin issues heroism awards on the submarine crew of Russia mini-sub fire

Russian President Vladimir Putin issued heroism awards on four of the 14 submarine crew who died during a secret mission on 1 July.

‘Hero of Russia medals’ has been awarded to the four officers, all captains. Two other officers on board had already received those medals for earlier missions.

The other 10 crew members, who were also officers, received Russia’s Order of Courage.

The Kremlin said that the crew heroically prevented the fire without reaching the nuclear power unit. The toxic smoke produced by fire had been inhaled by the crew members.

The bodies of these 14 brave men were brought to St Petersburg for burial.

This unnamed secret submersible will be put back into service soon, according to the Russian government. The government refused to reveal details of the mission that turned into a disaster, citing official secrecy. The vessel had been exploring the Arctic seabed area.

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