Operation To Raise Kursk Submarine Cost Less Than $60 Mln

The operation to raise the nuclear submarine Kursk from the bottom of the Barents Sea and tow it into a dry dock cost "much less than the $60 million that some media reported," announced Russian Vice Premier Ilya Klebanov. Utilization of the submarine's hull will also cost less than media reports assumed, he said, adding that the vessel would be utilized in 6 months. According to Klebanov, it will take at least 3 days to pump out the water inside the wreck, which is drydocked in the village of Roslyakovo. Officials from the Prosecutor-General's Office and forensic experts will be the first to step on board the Kursk. After that, the wreck will be examined by a government investigating commission.