Historic aircraft carrier Minsk engulfed in flames near Shanghai: Major damage and uncertain future

A former Soviet aircraft carrier that was once an important part of the Soviet Pacific Fleet caught fire in a lagoon close to Shanghai over the weekend. The last eight years had been spent with the ship, named Minsk, berthed in a river in Nantong, Jiangsu province. At the time of the fire, it was being renovated to become a feature in a new military-themed park, as per the reports of Yahoo news.

The fire started on Friday afternoon and lasted for around twenty-four hours until it was controlled. Social media posts showed massive flames and a lot of smoke on the carrier's deck. The ship's superstructure had sustained substantial damage, and subsequent images showed scorched metal running along its side. Although the fire fortunately did not cause any injuries, local fire officials are currently looking into what caused it.

History of the Minsk

The Minsk was originally one of four Kiev-class aircraft carriers built by the Soviet Union between 1970 and 1987. It was commissioned in 1978 and served in the Soviet Pacific Fleet until the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991. The ship then came under the ownership of the Russian Navy. Russia retired the Minsk in 1993 and sold it, along with its sister ship the Novorossiysk, to a South Korean company for scrap.


Also Read : Y2K: See what happens to world in apocalyptic comedy’s trailer. Here’s premiere date, plot and cast

While the Novorossiysk was dismantled in South Korea, environmental groups opposed the presence of the Minsk in the country. Consequently, the ship was sold to a Chinese company. It later became the centerpiece of the Minsk World theme park in Shenzhen, which opened in 2000. However, financial issues led to the park's closure in 2016, and the Minsk was moved to its current location in Nantong.

Future of the carrier

The recent fire casts doubt on the future of Minsk as a tourist attraction. Renovations aimed at transforming it into a central feature of another theme park may be jeopardized. An official mentioned that the fire introduces significant uncertainties for the project’s future.

Also Read : The Acolyte Season 2: Is Star Wars series going to end? What we know

FAQs

What was Minsk's history before the fire?
The Minsk was a Soviet aircraft carrier commissioned in 1978. After serving in the Soviet Pacific Fleet, it was retired in 1993 and later became a tourist attraction in China.

What impact does the fire have on Minsk's future?
The fire has created uncertainty about Minsk's future as a tourist attraction. Renovation plans for another theme park may be affected by the damage caused by the blaze.