Thirty years ago, in March 1987, in Odessa, the trial began on the captains of the passenger liner “Admiral Nakhimov” Vadim Markov and the cargo ship “Peter Vasev” Victor Tkachenko.
The collision of these vessels were killed 423 people. Another 64 were listed missing. Disaster was the largest on the Black sea in peacetime.
The only perpetrators of the tragedy were recognized as captains. The court sentenced each to 15 years. The leadership of the Navy of the USSR and the black sea shipping company, which owned practically no longer serviceable, “Nakhimov”, as well as managers of Service of the motion of ships whose passive inaction to prevent the disaster and remained inexplicable to justice did not involve punishment, of course, did not suffer.
Tkachenko and Markov was released from prison early, not after serving half of the term. Both no longer. First — in a bitter twist of fate was drowned, the second just died.
“Today” continues its own investigation into the disaster by publishing new details.
“IT WASN’T AN ACCIDENT.” So says our source — a member of the crew of “Admiral Nakhimov” Odessa Alexander Kiryushchenko. He was on the ship in the fateful cruise. More than thirty years, Alexander was silent. And only now gave his first interview to a journalist. In his revelations, bitterness and sincerity, emotion, and dispassionate statement of facts.
— Before getting on the ship, says Kiryushchenko, I managed to work on the flagship CHMP “Leonid Brezhnev”, and then “Taras Shevchenko”. In “Brezhnev” sent by the fourth mechanic. But apparently afraid to put in a responsible position recent graduate of the higher naval school and determined to motorists. There I met Vadim Markov, even then, in 1983, Mature, accomplished, confident captain…
Together have worked not for long: four months later “Brezhnev” was on repair, and the crew scattered on different vessels.
Fate brought them together three years later on the ill-fated “Nakhimov”. Kiryushchenko said that Markov was already quite different — drooping noticeably passed, a little reminiscent of the old brave of the cap. Kiryushchenko explains sharp change of two factors: the translation of Markov in the coasting fleet, “honorable exile for at fault”, and train its accompanying criminal cases…
— Personally like anything criminal have not found, — the interlocutor continues. But the captain is responsible for everything. Here and worried Vadim Georgievich, perceiving the appointment of cabotage as a manifestation to him of mistrust, a lowering of status. After the “Kazakhstan”, “Dostoevsky” and other vessels of high class and suddenly used his boat…
SEA, ANOMALY AND MYSTERY. About the terrible evening of 31 August 1986, Kiryushchenko recalls with conflicting feelings.
— Has seen many seas, but the Black has always stood out deceit, rigidity and unpredictability. If stormy, big, and vibrant — something… And Tsemess Bay, where it happened, the character is not from the meek. There is a long wave and generally often occurs something strange. He said the Bay and coastal areas frequent different geomagnetic deviation… But in the night shining lights “Nakhimov” departed from the berth of Novorossiysk port, the nature is no signs of trouble. The surface was calm, quiet, moon-lit path. I don’t remember ever seen such a calm. Starry sky. Visibility is great — five or six miles…
Nevertheless invisibly dim foreboding — as if someone from above has given the ship a black mark, and many of those on it were doomed.
The 31st was somehow not on itself, — said Kiryushchenko. — There was something inexplicable. Usually was late, yet will not pass all the ship. And then took a shower and lay down to sleep. But that night for some reason decided to go to bed early… Always wore a white uniform — jacket, pants, shirt. And then put on a tracksuit and sneakers. That’s why? I do not know. In the aft we had the cinema room, where all did not look. But that evening went…
Seemingly insignificant, unrelated things. But then, acted as the captains Markov and Tkachenko, things will not be called.
Leaving the Bay “Nakhimov” had to disperse with the oncoming “Vasev” right sides. This is confirmed by the entries in borgomale both vessels and data radio transmissions. Tkachenko clearly aware and also confirmed that it should miss the bulk carrier passenger ship…
And then start completely incomprehensible, defies logic and common sense things. Markov, obliged to remain on the bridge until the ship clears the counter of the ship suddenly went either to yourself or in an important cabin passengers — KGB General Alexei Krikunova, entrusting the management of the watch — the second mate Alexander Chudnovsky.
— A nice, middle-aged, curly and… a little absent-minded, recalls his Kiryushchenko. — At the meetings of the officers ‘ good-naturedly joked, they say, let this ship sink all. As if in water looked…
“Vasev” was at an angle of 46 degrees. Course on “Nakhimov” was 160. Kiryushchenko believes that the ship was supposed to follow them, when it became clear that someone who gives way. However, Chudnovsky, without informing anyone, three times, consistently, over and over again, changed course, deviated from the initial total of 15 degrees…
— That is, relatively “Vasev” turned a sharp corner, — says Alexander. — If the Chudnovsky held a specified course, the court had to disperse. Despite the fact that the captain Tkachenko of trusting the GPS, other navigation devices, which were equipped with his shiny new ship, practically not far away from them. He underestimated the danger of rapprochement with “Nakhimov”. Devices trusted more than the eyes, entirely relying on them. And only when danger of collision became apparent tried to prevent him, gave the command “Full astern!”.
But it was too late — the bulk carrier, most of the plot is loaded with canadian grain, moving by inertia, with all the dope crashed into lower part of the body (the so-called “Bulba”) in the right side of “Nakhimov” from the sub-offices. In the resulting 90-meter hole immediately poured tons of seawater…
Did Chudnovsky what you have done, do not know. According to some accounts, Yes: after hitting Alexander went to his cabin and locked himself inside with a key. Deriving body the divers had to break the door to get it.
Alexander Kiryushchenko: “the Fault lies not only on the two captains”
THE SHIP IS A MIRAGE? Among the versions about the reasons of the strange behavior of both captains expressed as follows: if between two courts were suddenly the third military ship or surfaced submarine. And supposedly this unidentified craft its sudden appearance (and disappearance) made adjustments to the indications of the navigation equipment “Vasev”, which ultimately baffled Tkachenko, and not him alone.
For example, the ship-the Mirage is still there, but why didn’t respond to the devices? — says Kiryushchenko. Whether it was a warship or submarine, is definitely can not say. Maybe someone passed the “Nakhimov” or “Vasev” — beam GPS in any would be reflected from the metal housing. It is easy to check: the investigation materials attached maps, charts, records of barthomolew, transcripts of negotiations, data Marine inspection… In the place of the collision the sea depth of over 40 meters. Could in that area to be a submarine? Could. And float? Yes. But then on the radars of other vessels the signal would be reflected… the Connection was stable, everyone heard, including the Service of the motion, which was to control the situation. But in the end there was irreparable…
“CHILDREN DON’T WAKE, DON’T PANIC!”. The duties Kiryushchenko in case of the alarm, evacuating those on the lower decks of people — passengers and crew members. At the moment of collision he was in the aft…
— From blow there was a feeling akin to when the car was moving at a smooth, rolled road and suddenly fell on the rough pavement — no one understood, says Alexander. — Run on the closed lower corridor… people come out of the cabins and anxiously ask: “What happened? What to do? To Wake the children?” But the alarm was not. It had to submit Chudnovsky, once it became clear what happened… the Stream, the bells… And then utter silence… No teams… And I, as could, tried to calm passengers. I asked them not to panic and children do not Wake up… Then at the court, told you what I tell you…
The ship began to heel to starboard, which slammed into the bulk carrier… turn Out the light. Then briefly joined the emergency diesel generator. Kiryushchenko saw from under the doors of cabins of the lower decks with the same right side of the water, lots of water… the Head of radio, in a lifejacket on a question that on the bridge, shouted to him: “There is nothing to do…”
Markov jumped on Board the “Nakhimov”. Although all the laws of the sea, the captain remained on the ship until the last. And leaves him too after all.
“THE MONUMENT”. A few months lasted the official investigation. But Kiryushchenko led the investigation. The notebook recorded the testimonies of victims, their own thoughts — not who said what and who did what, where, to recreate an objective picture of the tragic events. He shall be guilty not only of both captains — someone more, someone less. There were other people, professionals who could and should have prevented the accident, but did not.
— Figuratively speaking, it became the starting point of the collapse of the CHMP and the entire Soviet fleet, a mournful monument of the whole system, striking painfully on the fate of hundreds of thousands of people, including my own, despite the fact that miraculously survived bitterly acknowledges our source. — Much remains unsolved, nedorazvedany. The whole truth was not necessary to Moscow. The Politburo had its own pre — defined task-to designate the extreme and put captains. The goal is to get to the true causes and is not intended… And I was stomping my feet, pulls — but who is there so smart turn up, appease this restless Komsomolets (I was a YCL) to not interfere with the investigation…
Kiryushchenko wants to know everything, to the smallest detail. This would require access to the materials of the criminal case long been shelved. He said that such permission is not given, but he was sure that sooner or later your going to get.
— “Admiral Nakhimov” long lay to starboard, then leveled off, stood on the keel and so is already a few years — concludes Alexander. — I think it would be right and fair to raise it… It’s a metal steamer is a part of our life and my destiny too… still alive, I will fight for him and those who stayed there forever…
The same cutlass. Dent on the scabbard, which was the map
A CRYPTOGRAM: THE NUMBERS AND LETTERS INDICATE THE POINT ON THE MAP
“Today” was able to talk with the person who reported critical information related not only to the disaster of “Admiral Nakhimov”.
In the 80-ies of the last century landmark was a Soviet writer Anatoly Rybakov (real surname Aronov). The author of the famous novel “Children of Arbat”, the native of the Chernigov province, then lived in Moscow, died in the United States, wrote for children and young people. Most famous works — “the Dirk” and “Bronze bird”, later filmed. Their follow up was released later the story “Shot” and shot a feature film “Last summer of childhood”.
In our material “Flooded the mystery of “Admiral Nakhimov” (31.08.2010) among the versions of the crash was mentioned, and conspiracy related to the plot of the events described Rybakov. Namely, adventures around the accident found the mysterious officer’s dagger from the battleship “Empress Maria”, the subversive operations of the German Kaiser’s intelligence services. “Bronze bird”, was released a few years after the “Dagger”, at the end of August 1956. There was a phrase that the events the characters of the story come back thirty years later. And exactly thirty years later, on 31 August 1986, was wrecked “Nakhimov”…
The key to unraveling this disaster, according to military historian and Maritime expert Sergei Smolennikov could be real, not invented by writer Dirk officer of the Kriegsmarine (the German Navy), found one of the victims on that fatal flight — the chief Directorate of the KGB of the USSR in the Odessa region General Krikunova.
In the sheath of the dagger kept the scheme of being secretly dumped by the Nazis on Board a submarine off the coast of Antarctica treasures of the third Reich, believed Smolennikov. In a strange way, the dagger disappeared, but kept a photo of his sheath…
And here we found a man had a dagger, and scabbard. This collector Victor H. (family asked not to be identified).
— General Krikunov went on a cruise with his family — wife, daughter and grandson, he says. — But the flight was late, causing the release of the ship from Odessa had a little delay…
This lead some people tried to present almost as the main cause of the collision — say, if the “Nakhimov” came out on time, then quietly went with the “Vasev” and the tragedy would not have happened. However, it’s not a link. Going from Odessa with a slight delay, a cruise ship made up for the delay already until the next sunset in Yalta. And from Novorossiysk went right on schedule. So this version was not confirmed.
But! Have Krikunova was the cutlass. Outwardly unremarkable and do not represent a large value item was a secret inside.
— “Nakhimov” was once “Berlin”, it was the Germans, and Dirk, apparently, belonged to someone from his team — continues H. — Somehow he got to Krikunova. I suppose the General knew that the inside of the cutlass had a hiding place in his scabbard was stored folded four times note — card-certificate…
Version collector who first discovered it, there is inscribed cryptographic signs designating coordinates in the international territorial waters of some object.
Collector: “This card-a certificate for General Krikunova”
— On the card-a certificate is transferred a fragment of the shooting, surveying, or topographic maps, says H. — For the person ignorant, it’s just letters and numbers. And for devoted adherence to a specific location or area desired point of maximum narrowing search…
According to Victor, in this case — geographical coordinates of the sinking of the German warship or a vessel where there were very important documents, which at the final stage of the Second world Germany sought safely hide.
— And, most likely, not only they, — adds Victor. — There may also be wealth, of great historic significance objects of cultural heritage taken out on the captured works of art, gold, jewels, etc.
The collector showed a map help us covering some notation in order to decrypt the search area.
— Did the card help screamers is unknown, but that it was looking for in his cabin, adds H. — Searched the apartment, office, cottage or at home with relatives. But not found. And then Dirk happened to be me. In the sheath there was a small dent. And it is hidden here is the map-reference. Had her needles out again. She even fell immediately, as they were pinned inside, and the twists could be seen the traces of light rust. For help and advice, I turned to the experts from these two agencies.
Specialists state Academy of water transport rendered a verdict: “as a result of work on decoding of records of the received coordinates of the point which corresponds with the Southern hemisphere on the coast of Antarctica… about the Meridian… the coordinates… inspire trust…”.
Experts of Military Institute of the Kiev national Shevchenko stated: “captured the scabbard of the dagger found a note — sheet size of 3 to 4 cm, on which from two sides the symbols and lines… According to the analysis, we can conclude that the position relating to the coast of Antarctica…”.
We contacted one of the experts to verify how much work they had to do, what are the real prospects for further practical search.
— I can assure you that we very conscientiously, bit by bit, all researched, studied and written about his findings in the form of imprisonment, — said Sergey Sivkov. But on further questioning some reason refused without explanation, making the story even more intrigue…
Interested in whether the map can become the key to unlocking the secrets of the last war, serious search engines with relevant opportunities, while difficult to say. Victor H. and contemplating your options.
If the idea of something happens, tell about it necessarily…
IT WAS HIS LAST FLIGHT
The history of the ship is inextricably linked with Germany, where it was built in 1925 and named in honor of the capital “Berlin”. Had a riveted (not welded) body. Before the Second world carried passengers. Then became a floating hospital. Exploding mines, flooded. Was transferred to the Soviet Union as reparations — in the form of compensation for war damage. In 1947, renamed in honor of the eminent naval commander Pavel Nakhimov. After a long overhaul in the GDR became part of the CHMP and became its largest ship. Almost 30 years working in the Crimean-Caucasian cruise line. August 29, 1986, came from Odessa in last flight — Yalta, Novorossiysk, Sochi, Batumi and back.
The collision with the cargo ship “Peter Vasev” occurred on the evening of 31 August, 15 km from Novorossiysk. “Nakhimov” sank in a matter of minutes. In the cinema was the film “I loved you more than life.” Died 359 passengers and 64 crew members. More than 60 bodies to raise failed. A government Commission headed by first Deputy Chairman of USSR Council of Ministers Heydar Aliyev. Ukrainian group Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist party Yakov Pogrebnyak. In the investigative team from Moscow were about 50 people, including employees of the Prosecutor General, KGB and MVD Union.
THE OPINION OF OUR EXPERTS
Vitaly Seraphim, a high ranking former employee of the Prosecutor General:
— Besides the already mentioned circumstances of the accident “Nakhimov”, I still have nothing to add. Well, to work in archives with materials of the criminal case is unlikely. They are in Moscow, and there on the queries from Ukraine, no one will react. While not the same, and interest in them whatsoever…
Sergei Smolyaninov, naval historian:
— About this crash is already said and written a lot, but still still much is unclear. The roots of the tragedy, in my opinion, lie in the human factor and realities of the so-called socialist competition. Somebody was in a hurry to report on the early implementation of important flight and get a bonus, and someone, on the contrary, was in no hurry…
