Russian spy ship damaged after fire leaves Mediterranean Sea

A ship that spent two years spying on NATO countries’ underwater infrastructure has left the Mediterranean.

After almost two years in the Mediterranean, the Russian reconnaissance ship Kildin left the region, passing through the Strait of Gibraltar on the evening of April 4, Gospodarka Morska reports.

The 55-year-old vessel had previously been active off the southern coast of Europe, including Spain, France, Italy and Greece. Its equipment, including numerous sonar and sensors, raised suspicions of possible attempts to detect and sabotage critical underwater infrastructure, such as communication cables and gas pipelines.

Over the past year, the Kildin has repeatedly changed its patrol area, forcing NATO countries to send surveillance missions, both aerial and underwater. It was regularly monitored by American and Italian reconnaissance aircraft, as well as submarines.

Recall that in January of this year, when the ship was monitoring the exercises of the Turkish Navy, a serious fire broke out on board. The ship’s commander fought the fire for five hours and refused outside help.

Subsequently, the crew raised two black balls – a signal of loss of control over the ship. The Russian authorities did not publicly report the incident.

Now, after the Kildina left the region, the Russian naval presence in the Mediterranean Sea has significantly decreased. Now only one submarine and two frigates remain there.

Earlier, explosions occurred in the Mediterranean Sea on three tankers associated with the Russian Federation. According to one version, magnetic mines exploded on the ships.