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K-129 (Soviet submarine)

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description K-129 (Soviet submarine) Overview

K-129 was a Soviet Project 629A, or Golf II-class, diesel-electric submarine equipped to carry ballistic missiles. It sank in the North Pacific in March 1968 with its entire crew, and the exact cause remains unresolved. After locating the wreck, the United States Central Intelligence Agency mounted the secret Project Azorian in 1974, using the purpose-built ship Hughes Glomar Explorer to recover part of the submarine from the seabed.

help K-129 (Soviet submarine) FAQ

What kind of submarine was the Soviet K-129?

The K-129 was a Soviet Project 629A, commonly known by NATO as a Golf II-class submarine. It was a diesel-electric vessel specifically equipped to carry three nuclear ballistic missiles.

When and where did the K-129 sink?

The K-129 sank in the North Pacific Ocean in March 1968 with its entire crew of nearly 100 sailors on board. The exact cause of the submarine's sinking remains officially unresolved to this day.

Did the United States ever try to recover the K-129 wreck?

Yes, after locating the wreck of the K-129, the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) attempted a top-secret recovery operation. This mission was known as Project Azorian and utilized a massive custom ship called the Hughes Glomar Explorer.

Was the CIA's Project Azorian to raise the K-129 successful?

Project Azorian was only partially successful, as the massive claw used to grab the K-129 partially broke during the lift. As a result, a significant portion of the submarine broke off and fell back to the ocean floor.

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