MOSCOW, September 5 (RIA Novosti) - Disciplinary action has been taken against military officers who were found guilty of negligence in the investigation into the rescue operation of the AS-28 Priz Russian mini-sub that became trapped in netting and cables on August 4 off Russia's Pacific coast, the commander of the Russian Navy, told a news conference Monday. Admiral Vladimir Masorin said: "The AS-28 sank as a result of the improper execution of duties by personnel while conducting a difficult undersea operation," adding that Rear Admiral Alexander Zaika, deputy commander of Russian forces in the North Eastern District, was relieved from duty and several other military officials received disciplinary action.
According to Masorin, the decision by military officials to assign an unskilled operator with conducting the rescue operation using Russia's up-to-date underwater Venom robot led to the vehicle being damaged.
"We had the Venom vehicle, but its staff operator was absent, and nobody was on hand to substitute him," the officer said.
The Priz AS-28 mini-sub became trapped 190 meters (620 ft) below the surface in fishing nets and cables. The rescue operation lasted three days and ended successfully on August 7, when the British rescue vessel Scorpio cut the sub free.
