Russian nuclear submarine stranded on the bottom of Barents Sea

An Oscar-class nuclear submarine similar to the one pictured here malfunctioned and was stranded at the bottom of the Barents Sea on Monday

MOSCOW (CNN) -- A Russian nuclear submarine has sunk to the bottom of the Barents Sea.

The Oscar-class submarine was not carrying any nuclear weapons and no radiation leaks have been reported.

More than 100 crew were reported to be on the submarine, which sank off the northwest coast of Russia.

Igor Dygalo, head of the Russian navy press office, said there was no immediate danger but it appeared that the crew had lost control of the vessel.

CNN's Steve Harrigan confirmed rescue ships are on the way to the area where the submarine encountered difficulties.

The stricken submarine is said to be in radio contact with surface ships.

	RESOURCES
• Details about the Submarine Oscar Class (SubNet Italia)

Admiral Vyacheslav Popov, commander of the Northern Fleet, was directing the rescue operation, the Interfax news agency reported.

The submarine had been taking part in a major exercise.

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Project 949 (Granit) - Oscar-I class
Project 949 A (Antey) - Oscar-II Class
Russian Government Internet Network
Russian Ministry of Defense (in Russian)

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