Russian Navy Vessel On Research Expedition Sunk By Walrus In Arctic Ocean

In an unusual incident, a Russian Navy landing boat transporting researchers sank in the Arctic Ocean after being attacked by a walrus, reports CNN. All those aboard the vessel are believed to be safe.

The confirmation that the boat had sunk was given by the Russian Geographical Society (RGS), which was conducting the expedition in collaboration with the Russian Navy.

In a clarification, it stated that harm to the animals or to anyone aboard had not occurred.

"Serious troubles were avoided thanks to the clear and well-coordinated actions of the Northern Fleet servicemen, who were able to take the boat away from the animals without harming them," the RGS said.

In its statement, the Russian Ministry of Defence said that the walrus attacked when it felt that its calves were threatened.

The joint mission is aimed at exploring the flora and flora around the Franz Josef Land archipelago, and also to make glaciological observations while mapping historical journeys taken to to the region.