Yahoo Autos North Korean Submarine Reportedly Missing at Sea
North Korea has lost contact with one of its submarines, U.S. officials tell CNN. The submarine, apparently on some sort of exercise earlier this week, was being tracked by the U.S. military when it suddenly stopped. The fate of the sub is unknown, but U.S. forces have observed North Korea's attempts to find the missing craft.
U.S. officials believe the submarine experienced some sort of failure, and the U.S. military has been monitoring the subsequent search and rescue mission via spy satellites, aircraft, and ships. The incident is taking place at a time of particular high tension in the area, with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un having recently stressed the importance of preparation for a pre-emptive nuclear strike. It's A move that came after North Korea's test-launch of several missiles, and just before Kim Jong Un was photographed posing with what North Korea claims are miniaturized nuclear warheads.
As Foxtrot Alpha notes, the situation provides a diplomatic opportunity. If the vessel is sunk but the crew is still alive, North Korea is unlikely to be able to mount a rescue. Other nations-including the U.S.-have the capacity to help, but North Korea would both have to admit a failure, and then also ask for support.
Scenarios like these have ended tragically in the past. Per Foxtrot Alpha:
Such a situation occurred aboard the Russian guided missile submarine Kursk in 2000. In the end it took Russia the better part of a week to accept help from Norway and UK and all aboard died.
But there is always a chance that this time will be different.
Source: CNN, Foxtrot Alpha
