One of the many Soviet aircraft carriers to wind up in China in the years since the bloc’s collapse has been heavily damaged in a fire. Minsk became shrouded in flames and smoke while moored in the Yangtze River during refitting, prompting a response by emergency personnel. While the flames were eventually put out, questions remain as to what caused the vessel to become ablaze in the first place.
The fire, which broke out around 4:00 PM local time on August 16, 2024, was reported by Chinese state-run media, with reports stating it took approximately 24 hours to extinguish. Images and video soon appeared on social media, showing plumes of black smoke and flames rising from Minsk‘s deck.
Once extinguished, the extent of the damage was revealed, showing the aircraft carrier’s superstructure had partially collapsed.
“There are no casualties, and the cause of the accident is under investigation,” China National Radio revealed. “It’s a pity that a fire has made the prospects of this project full of too many uncertainties.”
Minsk, a Kiev-class heavy aircraft carrier, served with the Soviet and Russian navies from 1978-93. Operating as part of the Soviet Pacific Fleet, she spent much of her time transiting the waters off Asia, seeing little-to-no action. The ship was retired from active service following an unspecified accident in 1993, which required repairs that weren’t performed.
Following her sale to a South Korean company, Minsk was purchased by a group of Chinese arcade owners, who turned her into the centerpiece of the military-themed attraction, Minsk World. Located in China’s Yantian district, the park remained open for 16 years, with the Soviet aircraft carrier present for much of that time.
After changing hands yet again, Minsk was sent to Zhoushan for a refit, after which she was moored in the Yangtze, near the Sutong Yangtze River Bridge in Nantong. She was anchored there for eight years, with plans in place to move her to another military park. Restoration work had recently begun to revive the vessel for this purpose.
