[NYPost] A Russian navy boat embarking on a research expedition in the Arctic Sea sank after being attacked by a female walrus that was defending her young, according to reports Monday.The Altai, a tugboat operated by the Russian navy's Northern Fleet, carried researchers from the Russian Geographical Society and other expedition participants into waters near a remote island chain called Franz Josef Land in the Arctic Sea, Ars Technica reported.
The boat dispatched a smaller inflatable landing craft in shallow waters off Wilczek Island to bring researchers ashore near Cape Heller. Before the boat could reach the beach, it was attacked by a female walrus that was probably "fearing for her cubs," according to a press release from the Russian Geographical Society.
"The boat sank, but a tragedy was avoided thanks to the prompt action by the squad leader. All landing participants safely reached the shore," the press release said. A separate press release from the Russian navy confirmed the attack but did not say the boat sank, the Barents Observer reported.
"During the landing at Cape Heller, a group of researchers had to flee from a female walrus who attacked an expedition boat when protecting her cub," the Northern Fleet wrote.
"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."
Arctic wildlife 1, Russians 0