The subject of numerous publications and even a Hollywood movie starring Harrison Ford, the K-19 submarine was the lead vessel of the Project 958 (Hotel I) class, commissioned in the Soviet Navy in November 1960. It carried three R-13 ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads. On 4 July 1961, while it was on exercises in the North Atlantic, a leak developed at an inaccessible part of the primary cooling circuit, causing a sudden pressure drop and triggering emergency systems.
The crew managed to set up a makeshift system to supply coolant to the reactor, but was exposed to radioactive steam and other gases in the reactor compartment for a prolonged period. Eight crewmembers died and at least 31 suffered serious health problems after the accident.
The Russia's Navy press service said the program of the memorial events would include a service at the St. Nicholas Monastery, a wreath laying ceremony at the graves of submariners at the Kuzminskoye cemetery and a meeting at the House of Cinematography.
"Senior officials from the Navy and the Moscow city administration, surviving K-19 crewmembers and Navy veterans will attend the events," the press service said.
