Russia's Submarine Embarrassment in the English Channel
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte mocked Russia over its "limping" submarine in the English Channel.
"The Hunt for Red October... Today, it seems more like the hunt for the nearest mechanic."
Rutte described the diesel-powered Novorossiysk as "a lone and broken Russian submarine limping home from patrol".
- The Novorossiysk is part of Russia's Black Sea Fleet.
- Moscow claimed it was following navigation rules when it surfaced off the French coast.
- Dutch authorities reported the vessel was under tow in the North Sea, suggesting it was not fully operational.
Author's summary: Russia's submarine struggles in the English Channel, becoming a laughingstock for NATO.