The Kursk was a Russian nuclear submarine that sank in the Barents Sea on August 12, 2000, during a naval exercise. It was one of the largest submarines in the world, part of the Oscar II class, and was equipped with advanced missile systems. The sinking resulted in the loss of all 118 crew members on board. The incident was marked by a delayed rescue response and significant media coverage. Investigations suggested that a torpedo explosion caused the disaster, leading to discussions about submarine safety and the need for improved emergency protocols within the Russian Navy.