There are strange things done in the midnight sun By the men who moil for gold; The Arctic trails have their secret tales That would make your blood run cold; -Robert Service 1906
Seriously, in the moment where most would be aimlessly clamoring hopelessly, he accepted his fate and decided to take all that pain upon himself.. that line is a very hermetic way of saying “the thought of you sad is worse than death, please don’t worry” That’s a real man right there.
Imagine knowing you're gonna die in some minutes/hours but still being brave and calm enough to write a note explaining the ordeal. Hats off to all of them.
His situation awareness is elite, just one of those superhuman moments, of reflecting and coming to peace all while he gives his last words… that shit is alpha asf.
When you accept work like this, you must be prepared to this end!!! Submarine is not only a good money - it's so dangerous and big responsibility!!! This submarines have a atomic weapons on boards and they must be prepared to use this weapon if it should be necessary!!! Hello from Russia!!!
I have spent 21 years avoiding this, but I finally watched it. One of those never recovered, was my cousin’s son. His father committed suicide about a year later. The loss to the families is felt even on the other side of the globe, here in Oz. May those brave men RIP. Bog blagoslovit ikh. ☦️ 🙏🕯
I really appreciate seeing Mr B as he talks rather than just his voice. Mannerisms, body language and gesticulations really help flesh out the words to a greater degree than I would have thought!
I am 83 years of age, my late dad was a wonderful story teller, and you young man are doing a better job than he did. I listen to all your stories, you have a rare gift as a story teller, keep doing it you help old people like me keep being interested in life
My sister was murdered by her boyfriend less than a week ago and no matter what I do all I can think about is her... your videos are my only distraction to keep my mind in a stoic state. Your videos and stories help people in ways you could never imagine. Thank you for your service to our country and also your service to the public. I could never thank you enough John.
Heartfelt prayers and positive thoughts for you and your family Katrina. May your sister be at peace. I cannot begin to imagine this kind of loss. Binge Mr. Ballen to give your heart small breaks for healing. My heart is with you and yours!
Oh no! Im very sorry for your loss. Really. I have a sister that i dearly love. I couldn't imagine what you're going through. Peace to you and your family.....
Serious credit to Dmitri for having the calm to write that letter even in the dark KNOWING you are about to die. Peace to his family & all the others who lost their loved ones in this incredibly tragic accident
Even as an excellent swimmer, lover of the ocean and former lifeguard, the thought of drowning has always been my biggest fear. I cannot imagine the utter fear as well as brave resolve these men showed facing this certain demise. But it makes me wonder why no peaceful death is afforded these submariners trapped in such inevitable circumstances. Cyanide pills that only crew members can access (so no k-wording themselves during hard times). Seems like a system could be created so that impending doom and the suffering therein could be avoided. Maybe I don’t understand the concept of “going down with the ship,” but just waiting for water to slowly fill the compartment and then their lungs until they drowned is truly heartbreaking. R.I.P. brave submariners.
Its not a new concept but he is very skilled at the niche of immersing you in the story. Im surprised he hasn't wrote a book or been offered a job in audio books
Imagine losing your family member who fought for their country because their country was too uncaring/unorganized whatever else to do anything to save them or accept help to do so...what a shame. RIP Dimitri and crew.
That's exactly what happened to my only brother. He enlisted, fought & served, came home suffering horribly from PTSD. When he begged for help, did our country do anything? No. Not one thing. He took his life at 36. He received no honor, no burial. Nothing. Suicide among our veterans continue at an alarming rate. The VA sucks.
@@SwedeProof Stay loud. They failed him and this message deserves to be heard and recognized for what it is. My heart is with you... and I'm sorry for the pain youve been left with.
@@bm-ww8kb I'm very grateful... your words are deeply appreciated. Honoring my brother through writing helps to stay strong. MY DREAM -- meeting with Tom Hanks to present a creative biography depicting Erik's mind-blowing survival in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive -- and the mind-blowing destruction caused by PTSD. Mr. Hanks is not a veteran -- yet his mind and soul hold a deep, unique understanding of war from the soldiers perspective. "Band of Brothers" captures this brilliantly. This is a dream for Erik, not me. This little sis is merely telling his story. The truth, gov't lies, his pain. But filled with love.
Definitely! You’re unsurpassed in the ability to captivate with your own unique style of telling a story! You’re this generation’s Mark Twain. Much love from Texas!
Love every video he’s done. I’d watch him explain how to make Ramen noodles!! I’d even leave my fam sitting hungry at the table, while I play dumb, just to watch it twice. 🍜
Dimitri in his most frightened moments of his life.. took out a pen and paper to tell everyone not to worry or despair about him. What a guy.. Good the families were taken care of that's important.
Taken care of does not = lost family member. It would be one think if he died in war, but they died so senselessly. And because the Russian government is more concerned about how they look rather than peoples lives, they denied help that could have saved at least some of the people.
@@bostontowny4life744 yes I just watched Chernobyl on HBO and Russia cared more about hiding it from the rest of the world, and acting like everything was ok, than saving lives of the people that lived anywhere close to the reactor..
As a diver, I can't imagine going into a sunken submarine as a salvage/rescue diver and seeing bodies just floating. That would just be enough to give me nightmares for the rest of my life. Very sad.
I know a guy who’s job at his FD is to locate the body only . He dives locates, then send up a buoy at the location for others to recover. Large recreation lake area in PA.
I'm myself a search and rescue diver for the german lifeguard service "Wasserwacht". The jobs I hate the most are body search and recovery dives at nighttime because it feels so eerie just swimming through the black water with almost no visibility other than the beam of your flashlight and usually we don't have a voice intercom connection with other divers or people on the surface. So you are usually alone except for the signaling rope connecting you to the boat. Finding the body at that point is the worst and best situation imaginable because luckily it's over and you get to go home and sleep, but finding a corpse just floating a little over the mud is really fcking scary and you can only really hope it has its back turned to you and not the face. I can't imagine what it's like diving to the kursk. the ocean is so much more scary than a lake in my opinion... the pressure alone and knowing you can't surface any time you want... also the big superstructure of the kursk emerging from the darkness is something I would pay for to never have to imagine again...
I was in subs for 6 years, stationed in Connecticut when this happened. It’s outrageous that these men had to die like that just because the Russian govt wouldn’t allow foreigners to go down and rescue them. Submariners of all nations are like a brotherhood - everyone was heartbroken with this story.
just wanted to say that your lack of in-video ads & sponsorships doesn't go unnoticed! thank you for simply providing good entertainment above all-else :)
Eh fuck that he should be able to have sponsorships for more lighthearted videos and not feel bad about it. He needs to make a living too, check mark. I’m sure you’re taking all kinds of sponsorships, why say this to him?
Me and my dad talk more now then we ever did as I was growing up, now that I’m older I send him your videos and we talk about it and we’ve really grown a lot closer. My dad has really bad PTSD from desert storm. You’ve given us something to bond over. Thank you Mr. Ballen
This is a truly awesome thing to read. Im glad you and your fathers relationship has blossomed. Im 34 and can honestly say my father is my best friend out of everybody. We also both watch mr. Ballen and text/call afterwards to talk about it.
This needs to be liked and pinned to the top! Very glad you and your father can bond over this. My father also has chronic anxiety and PTSD but his therapy is sports haha
I don't know why, but this story made me burst into tears at the end. Knowing that they could have been saved, but also the torturous waiting for death. At the beginning I was so hopeful that Demetri had survived because you mentioned he told the story. Absolutely heartbreaking 💔😞
I found that part to be absolutely unforgivable!! As an American, my dislike of the Russian government certainly reaches a level where this whole scenario doesn't surprise me to even the smallest degree, but I must admit that they did surprise me for how far they went with compensation to the families. I mean I think it's certainly something I would like to see given to more families of those killed in action, but I have to wonder if the fact that this was immensely preventable and happened strictly while conducting routine, one-country training exercises was the main motivation behind such compensation. I mean whether or not that's the case, I was at least able to feel SLIGHTLY less horrible for the families at the end. I mean all the riches and privileges in the world wouldn't ever be enough to fill the void that losing a loved one causes, but considering I only found this UA-cam channel like an hour ago and have only seen the videos covering average civilian deaths with 0% compensation to their families, it was, at the least, refreshing to hear the extent of their compensation.
😢😢😢exactly! I'm watching the movie now, it's on the last part where their having "breakfast" and the guy wats to tell his polar bear joke and someone drops the lamp(?) Still at that part. I had to stop for a little bit. Still tearing up here. And their own government didn't give a rat's 🐀 hiney about them refused foreign aide til it was too late.
I am Russian and this was a big devastating accident that happened when I was young. It was horrific knowing that those men were trapped there and our government at the time refuse any foreign help or helped them to get out alive. Anyone who remembers this still till today heartbroken 💔
@@amilie2022 Even the US government wouldn't sit idle while it's people died, knowing full well it could save them. Nor would the UK, Japan, or any other first world country.
@@iloveyoushima I am not going to get into this debate because I don’t trust any governments and yes there are plenty stories in each of those countries you just mention when government also did not react. You have got to understand that countries run by first of all people and everyone does mistakes. Horrible and sometimes unforgiving mistakes. I am not nationalist or patriot and I can safely say I don’t trust any government.
@@amilie2022 I'm not trying to imply that Russia is evil. People who believe Russia is evil are idiots. Russia has been the good guy in history while the west has been the bad, examples being the Balkan wars of the 1990s and the Chrimean war in 1853. What I'm saying is this sort of thing would NEVER happen in the UK or most of the western world, that's all. As a whole, I quite like Russia, but this arrogance is typical of the Russian government.
I feel like a lot of people who post content in this category often glorify the horror and treat the people as if they aren’t real. But Mr.Ballen doesn’t, I feel like he does a great job at humanizing the people in these stories.
True, he was a SF soldier and definitely has empathy and honor...he tells all his stories with respect for the people in them. And is great at it too...👍
The saddest thing about this is I thought Dimitri had survived, the way you started the story made it sound like he got out. I was really sad to hear he hadn’t. I remember hearing about this in the news back when it happened but didn’t know this much detail about the incident.
at least he’s not resorting to hoaxes, special guests, and lying to viewers in his content…one i used to listen to has converted to nothing but lies and fake content
I was only aware of this channel yesterday. But the moment i saw it i couldn't avoid getting completely addicted. You're a great storyteller man. Simple and effective. No big flashes and pops and bangs... just the power of words and the right amount of emphasis and enthusiasm. Great recipe 👌 It has everything to be a big success and look how many viewers love to hear you patiently. That's a great virtue man 👌🙌 Keep up the good work 👏
im just surprised i thought everyone knew about this story, besides K19 or the hero that stopped the nuclear launch its in the top 3 russian sub disasters
@@KaladinVegapunk you’re absolutely right. Except in the true version of the story, the world watched in horror as the Soviets allowed their men to drown, refusing assistance from America through sheer narcissism.
I like how he doesn't exaggerate the horror aspects about the story like most other channels do. Just enough sound effects and researched pictures to put throughout the video that made it easier to imagine the situation. Props to you Sir
This poor man, all of the crew on the submarine who’s memories I’m Sure will Never be forgotten. it must have been horrendous for them all. My thoughts and preyers with all the families concerned.
"regards to everybody, no need to despair" Somehow makes me feel like crying more honestly. It's so much, and such a kind touch from somebody who had been doomed so unfairly.
We all don t like the way putin puts all in the world in danger... but no one want s this soldiers ...who were very professional ..to pass to a situation like that!!! It s sad people lke putin and know that as.....e who is rulling china ...put all of us in danger just for they re benefit...and not they re own people or even others in the world!!
i remember being in mid school when this happened. this was in all the news channels and was very depressing. the fact that the government refused to accept help in rescuing them leads to suspicion that there was something they were covering up
My husband was serving as a Submariner when this event happened. It was horrific, and terrified me that something like this could happen to him. My heart breaks for the families of this crew that is still on patrol.
My husband was also at sea on an American submarine at the time and it was terrifying. Those saying that the American response would have been worse don't know what they are talking about. The Russians had a dreadful safety record for submarines, especially in comparison to the USA.
I like that Mr. Ballen doesn't just do a voice over, but actually shows his face, expressions, hand gestures, etc, and really fleshes out all the major and minor details of a story. It adds a lot more feeling to the story and, at least for me, makes it so much more engaging. I'll listen to someone reading a creepypasta or something in the background while I'm playing a game because its just background noise, but with Mr. Ballen's videos I actually feel compelled to watch the video along with it because he does such a great job of keeping my attention.
I can see what's going on in my head like a movie when he tells his stories. I like watching his videos, but when I have to do something else I can just listen and get more out of his stories than I would have had it just been a voiceover or a podcast.
I think he talks too much about the little details that have very little to do with the story. By the time he gets done with them all I don't even know what story he was talking about.
I'm aware of this situation but nobody tells it like Mr Ballen. Certainly don't mind listening to your stories more than once. I live alone with cancer - so thankful to have you for company.
@Becky Hambrick: HI Becky. I saw your name and had to do a double-take...it's somewhat similar to mine! I was sorry to hear about your illness. I'll say a prayer for you, OK? Hope this message helps you feel a little better and makes you smile! Love, your new friend Bob
What a heartbreaking true story. My oldest brother was a Chief Petty Officer on a nuclear submarine. On his keyring, he had a very oddly shaped key. When I asked what it went, he explained that it was for locking and unlocking ballast doors on the sub. After hearing this story, the gravity of the key is much more poignant. Thank you Mr Ballen.
yes, you are basically trapped in a giant sardine can under tons of freezing water , filled with tons of explosives and in the case of nuclear subs enough radioactive material to melt you down in minutes; the very stealth advantage the sub has over the rest of military surface/air vessels is its very own achilles heel in case of emergency rescue
Yes ma’am my cousin’s husband works for the navy. You’re not lying it’s a funky shaped key..the ships and submarines are pretty cool. You should be able to take a tour as you’re family and all. Maybe not as of right now but once things change with restrictions for health reasons. And please tell him “thank you brother” served 1 tour marines and last 2 tours in the army. And got hurt but I sure miss it.
I was a sonar technician on a submarine. And we would do Submarine Escape Training annually. Thankfully it's training I never had to perform in a real scenario
This is one of the stories that makes me cry. Knowing these brave, strong young men faced a horrible AVOIDABLE death with such courage and concern for their loved ones.
The moment you said “submarine” I knew it was gonna be about Kursk. Such a painful tragedy. Thank you for bringing attention to the story, Mr Ballen, stay awesome! 🔥
Being a submarine veteran I prayed for these fellow submariners souls. As all submariners know, it doesnt matter what country we serve, we understand the real threat of death while aboard a submarine. Doing three tours and 18 patrols on three different boats didn't make it any easier. Knowing some of the casualty situations we combated while on my first boat and second boat, it's a stark reminder that we could have been in the same situation. Not with torpedoes but with other things that happened.
Thanks for your service ! I was part of submarine development group #1( projects boat ) when Mare Island was still going . I was on the Seawolf SSN 575 . Have you read the book " Blind Man's Bluff ? We did spooky stuff . .......best job I ever had ! KUDOS to you and a bravo Zulu ! I crossed the international date line , and still have my card.... Domain of the Golden Dragon !
@@georgehays4908 I stayed in little boxes drawn on the ocean for 3 months and hid. I was a Missile Technician. I was a program manager at OPTEVFOR working with the now not so new SSGN program to help figure out how to make the surface ttwcs work under water.
@@GamingBot90 Because it is under an immense pressure from the water and if the integrity of the structure is broken somehow let's say by a torpedo blow, it could implode. But an entire sub imploding is unlikely unless it sinks down the ocean because of some malfunction and end up way, way below it's operating depth. Then it could of course implode like an empty soda can crushed in your hand.
As a Norwegian I know this story very well. But I've never had such an appreciation for the human side as after listening to this. Story telling is a powerful tool and you excel at it. And both the crew and it's families deserve no less. Great job!
As a Veteran, nothing replaces someone’s life, but if I did die serving my country, knowing my family would have a home, college education, and my pay for years to come, it would comfort me in my final hour.
You as an individual may enlist to "serve your country", but in reality you're just serving an unjust and corrupt government. Doesn't matter which one since they're all equally corrupt.
@Marve Lous If you think that, then you're blind and incredibly naive. Study up. Think. Learn. Observe. And most of all, be honest to yourself as you do it. Your statement makes me wonder how old you are. Only teenagers carry that level of unawareness. If the C virus alone hasn't shown you that this world is a stage and we're all being manipulated, then I'm afraid there's not much else to say here. Ever heard of MKULTRA? Yes? No? I wouldn't even know where to begin if you actually think your comment has any validity whatsoever.
@Cian MacGanaOkay. Feel free to elaborate with detail precisely what you mean by that if you have the mental capacity to do so. I know the world I live in, and it's beyond grotesque. Almost everything presented to you by any form of government is nothing but a facade. But as I said, feel free to explain yourself.
@Cian MacGana Clearly Brian doesn't know this. Which is who I was responding to in my original comment. So your point isn't hitting home. And what does it even mean to me when you say "you're just going through a phase of being exposed to this kind of information"? I'm 42 and have been down these rabbit holes for a good 25 years now. So what's with the "you're so woke" bullshit? Based on your reply, you agree with me. So what is your point here?
I was a part of the US surface Navy. In my experience, our Naval family felt a strong kinship to Sailors of any country. Even those who don’t always get along with ours. Stories like this will always own a part of our hearts. Fair winds and following seas to those Russian brothers! On a side note, glad to see MrBallen back! I hope he had a wonderful time with his family!
Very well said there shipmate! I believe this is why so many foreign navies were offering their assistance so quickly. I must agree with you, if we hear that any sailors are in desperate need like that we would take it very personally and want to volunteer in any capacity within our capabilities. There have been stories of our naval vessels passing by Russian vessels during tense times, yet the crews would share a friendly wave or even a salute just to acknowledge the others and the fact that they are simply doing their jobs. It takes a special personality to volunteer to go out to sea for sometimes months at a time, but those who hear the calling are cut from the very same cloth.
Thank you for your service! My father was onboard the U.S.S. Fort Mandan during the Korean War. His brother was also a Navy Korean War veteran, but I don't know the name of the ship he was on.
My dad was on the U.S.S. Midway during peace time (idk what year but he is in his 80s). My dad has told me countless stories about his times on that ship. Thank you for your service!
I remember following the news story for this intently at the time, because I was waiting for my shipping out date for the Royal Navy and for days there was still hope that the sailors had survived. Even now, 22 years on, I can still hear the words of the news narrator as he talked over the footage of the much anticipated rescue submarine finally docking with one of the Kursk's hatches, after so much needless, frustrating delay. He described what the rescue divers found when they swung open the hatch, hoping so much to look down into an air-filled compartment and see the smiling, relieved faces of the sailors: "Inside, the sub was completely flooded with water" It was then that I knew there was no hope and all of those men had perished. RIP to them all, on eternal patrol.
"Regrds to everyone, no need to despair, kolesnikov." That man was a savage. I love that spirit. I served aboard the submarine USS New Hampshire (SSN-778).. While Russia was/is our rival, I hate to see such men go down like that. RIP, brothers!
While Russia may be America's enemy. Those men are just doing what they believe is right for their country, just like you. :) Blame the country, not the men who serve it.
@@chrismaxwell2274 NO, not the COUNTRY but the Leaders of them! I think every Strong & well-balanced Nation takes great heed for the care of their Citizenry... America used to BE that example & Russia has grown into being so.... too bad America has fallen & is under the thumb of China's Technocracy while China disguises its' own misgivings under the illusion of remaining Communistic... Pffft'! What a load of crap!! Open your eyes...its right in front of you! Just like Taxes, Freedom will never be regained! GOD BLESS 🌿💕🌿
@@mjk6618 the only time America was great and doing anything good is way before it was colonized. It actually cared about its people and loved each other . Then it turned violent and air polluted bc money is sooooo important instead of the people . Please- It’s so shit rn. But yk… “gOd blESS “
@@greenlybeanly2839 "It actually cared about its people" What 'it' America didn't exist nor did any other country Also "It actually cared about its people and loved each other" LOL right the tribes fighting and offing other tribes, stealing their women, scalping heads... You're either a troll or a fool 😂
When you're so good at storytelling that you're audiences doesn't realize they no longer see your face and starts to play the scenes on top of their heads, imagining each as if a film is being played. Wow.
Depending on the depth it's likely that the submariners in the front half of the vessel were killed by pressurized asphyxia rather than just drowning. Such a scary career, my dad was a submariner and these tin cans are absolute nightmare fuel. Cool to learn about, but still nightmare fuel.
@@dianabalan if it would be filling up, it is pressure and drowning at the same time. But they were in shallow water so they only had minor pressure effects. Everyone died from drowning who didn't die from the initial explosion
As a submariner of over 11 years myself, I can assure you that in times like these, we only see Dolphins and not the color of the flag they represent. Submarine accidents and tragedies are remarkably rare the world over, which is a testament to the engineering that goes into these machines and the quality of the men and women who operate them from one day to the next. Every submariner knows that the chances of survival following a significant incident is pretty low, but that doesn't make your heart bleed any less when something like this happens. Fair winds, shipmates.
Yes! I had submariner friends who told me stories of regular stuff that would scare anyone anyway. So much pressure. Trudents were built in my hometown and I watched the last shipyard/port ships leave -and then the Tridents leave years later. Known for the Hunley. It takes sheer guts. I have toured some, but of course, never submerged. I feel for them and for their families that know this story. It wasnt Pearl Harbor or our guys as Americans. But everybit as heartbreaking.
I am not a submariner but i am a navy vet that now works on them, i have respect for anyone in any military from any country. And of course there's a special place in my heart for the submarine community. It is NOT easy and i don't wish any submarine accidents on anyone.
Such a tragedy to know his superiors did nothing for too long. Lives could possibly been saved if action had been taken. Much respect to the crew and especially for Dimitri writing that note.
My understanding was that the rescue vehicle topside was outdated, unreliable and unable to attach to the subs hatch due to currents and handling problems. If the sub was completely flooded within 8 hours there would have been no way of getting additional help to the area in time. These poor guys were doomed.
I dont think they can do anything even if they act the exact moment when the sub blew up. They cant enter the sub fast enough before it is flooded completely. But this just shows that in this kind of situation, if anything, and I mean ANYTHING that didnt go exactly as planed, Act as quick as possible because every second counts.
@@earlfithian4911 they had plenty of time to do it, sailors were showing signs of life for days. Kursk was a cutting edge tech submarine, so the reason these idiots turned down the foreign aid is because they were afraid top secret military information about the submarine would be leaked/spied on.
What brave men to do this in the first place, especially knowing Russia's track record with using old technology. The lives of these men depended upon people who didn't care about them at all. That is so sad. At least the govt gave the families some financial relief, but nothing can replace a life, which is why you must assume the worst and above all, DO something when lives are at risk. Treat others how you wish to be treated, it's that simple, whether it's a military op or a neighbor, it's a life and must be respected.♡LL
@@dmitricarabetchi4269 spot on. They knew they were alive because they could hear them banging on the side for days. The sad reality is that a rescue for these submariners would've most likely been started much, much earlier had this not been such a highly publicised important naval operation with the accompanying journalists, and the Kursk the new pride of the Fleet. It was P.R. damage control from the absolute start. That's why there was so much "confusion" (denial) at the beginning, rejection of outside help during and such generous payouts to the families after. Sad but true. R.I.P Dimitri & the crew of the Kursk.
My god THIS is my ultimate fear , how this man composed himself in the inevitable fate he was facing is so admirable , my heart goes out to all the family’s . Hope everyone has a happy Christmas! Hug your friends and family and be lucky to not be spending it alone x
I don't know how I stumbled across one of your videos, but I was hooked after the first one. I subscribed and have been watching your channel for a week straight. You tell the hell out of a story. I'll be done watched every video on your channel by the end of the week.
May God rest the souls of the Russian sailors that were lost in this terrible accident, we need to remember we are all brothers and sisters in this world, much respect for what you do Mr Ballen
I love that you cover recent events. Some of these occurrences I have heard about in passing but to get true and accurate information means I can speak intelligently if the topic should arise in conversation. With so many claims of media bias. It's refreshing to know at least some outlets are really giving out accurate information.
I appreciate how detailed Mr.Ballen is when he tells the story even though he mentioned how the power went out and the temperature plummeted I didn’t think about how Dmitry must have been shivering and writing in the dark. Such a tragedy and even though the Russian government failed the crew on the Kursk at least they took care of their loved ones. May they continue to rest In peace
I appreciate it to but from watching some of his stuff because most of what he covers is already covered on other channels from years ago. He somehow has more information about some of these stories than the damn reports do. He embellishes stuff. it's actually probably why he keeps my attention more. instead of saying then we don't know what exactly happened. he kinda produces and deducts what actually probably happened which could or couldn't be true. Makes for a better story though.
@@jerseybound717 I can see how that can happen. It seems that the info is gathered from various online resources which can turn into a game of telephone if you will.
I remember the Kursk. I don't know if they could have been saved or not, but Russia's response sealed their final fate. I think they refused help initially because it had super-secret tech on board, i.e. torpedoes or the war heads - on and on. I was young then and I felt so horrible for the victims and their families, I wrote a letter to the President of Russia. Silly me.
This whole incident is emblematic of the Russian govt/elites’ mentality dating back to at least the Soviet days-the government is what matters, the people serve it and are ultimately expendable. Putin literally stayed on vacation and refused foreign assistance for 5 days because preserving secrets and avoiding embarrassment was more important than saving his men. His MILITARY men. And this only happened because “stunning breaches of discipline” in manufacturing led to “shoddy, obsolete, and poorly maintained equipment”. Their words. This mentality seems to foster a lack of functional integrity within Russian institutions, and this is the result. Look at Chernobyl and the Ukraine invasion, same sh*t! The actual quality of work doesn’t matter as long as things work well enough to allow the elite to keep getting what they want out of them.
@@bestxcrunner2013it also allows them to subtly blame their people for what happened, accusing them of shoddy work. When it’s really them cutting corners to most likely make more money that causes it. But I do think something very different than what is told happened here.
The stories you tell about the ocean, or anything underwater for that matter, are my favorites. I'm a fellow diver and find stories about this content intriguing and terrifying. Thank you for telling these stories with grace.
Mine are the Spelunking (Caving) stories being a former Spelunker myself. So, I understand what you’re saying there. I am just severely claustrophobic (weird. I know. I’m a “Face your fears” type guy. And I never went TOO tight. These underwater & Caving stories just terrify me, make me happy my happy ass is sitting right here on flat land in SouthWest Florida. Lol!
Where do you do diving if you don’t mind me asking? We do all of are’s in Florida! And planning too move down in the next year or so. Just trying to find the right location pretty Sarasota fl most likely.
OMG What a horrible way to die, and knowing it was coming! Bless their souls and their families! So So happy that you are back to tell us these stories! Thank you!
I was about 9 years old when this happened and still remember watching news. All those family members, who were waiting on the pier waiting for the news about their loved ones: mother, fathers, wives, kids. Still today it sends me shiver all over my body
Being a former sailor in the military,I've always had the utmost respect for any and all bubbleheads. The thought of being in a sub has always been extremely scary for me.the bravery of these men and the horror they experienced is unfathomable to me. may God be with all the families of these and all the other sailors of the navy's of the world.semper paratus!!
Mr ballin I love your stories the one I liked the best so far is where you went to the mountains with your friends and your friend's father had recently passed away and you were sleeping with that friend in the room and the father spirit shows up at the cabin comes up the stairs into your room and falls into the young man sleeping next to you and scared that the jeebies out of you! Great stories
@@markhayworth1617 Mr. Ballin would most likely notice your comment better if you posted on the main wall under his video instead of underneath another commentors main post 😉😉
I'm a submarine vet (sonarman) from 74-86 and I mourned for the sailors on the Kursk. Some see the Russians as the enemy and maybe they are, as a fellow submariner I see them as individuals with families and children just like me and facing the same risks that I did. There are times when things get dangerous, you don't have time for fear, you must react to the situation and when it is over you can then think or say "Damn, that scared the crap out of me" laugh it off and move on. I am sure the sailors on the Kursk acted professionally and honorably until it was over. RIP brothers.
This man is such a good storyteller, that he could tell me a story about a green bean growing up in a small town and working at the local carpet mill and I would absolutely believe it and be intrigued the whole time.
I'd listen to that story. I'm already making up names for the green bean and titles for the book. I'm partial to Teegan Lee the Green Bean who Loves Trees. 😁
The KURSK. I closely followed this story as it broke. Russia refused assistance from Norway, the US, and others. Their instructions were to go to their bunkers, lie down and breathe regularly, staying calm to await rescue. What a horrible tragedy. I felt for those men and their families. Rest In Peace.
And definitely would be a 1000 times better if me and you could listen together with my arms around your heavenly body..... O dearest love 💗 thy earthly angel.
Hey man glad to see ya back. Just wanna let ya know that my girlfriend and I listen to your stories every morning and you have been a huge part of our recovery from a crazy crazy life. Much love from New Mexico.
Happy to hear you turning your life around, Mr. & Mrs. strangers lol - IT takes A LOT of will power to actually start heading in the opposite direction, but it is EVEN HARDER TO STAY ON THAT PATH! But now that I'm around 4 years in recovery I can say that it IS the GREATEST decision I've ever made and looking back, it wasn't as hard as I was expecting whenever I thought about "everyday, for the rest of my life" - that's why they say 'one day at a time, or one hour at a time" etc - because look at the "BIG picture" will ALWAYS seem much more daunting that it really is.... once you get over whatever physical changes your body goes through, then that initial period of pure boredom (which for every is a completely different amount of time because you HAVE TO find something that TRUELY INTERESTS YOU to occupy your time, or else that boredom will NEVER go away and you'll go back to your old habits) it becomes easier and easier IF you have changed your people, places, and thing that used to be a part of THAT lifestyle.... For me boredom has been a REAL trigger in relapsing, that and money :( Money is the hard one because you cannot avoid.... but I found that not keeping cash around REALLY heled me...(ESPECIALLY large amounts that aren't pre-allocated and spent quickly - like just having $100 in my wallet and nothing that I 'need' to spend it on would even be a trigger - so I found that buying something that makes me happy is a great way to stop the cash from being a trigger - but I tried to buy things that I can easily return or sell incase I need that money for something more important or an unexpected bill -like just buying that returnable thing just so I didn't have the cash on me to possibly trigger me - but this was all before I realized I can just get Prepaid Visa debit cards that are essentially a bank account... shit I'm sorry for rambling lmao - can you tell the lockdowns have changed me? i don't get out much even after the lockdown were lifted.... the vax/non-vax debate has kinda split up my group of friends from hanging out in person, and I lost my job because of it, so I don't interact with people much anymore, so any chance I get I tend to ramble on and on lol - sorry GOOD LUCK WITH STAYING ON THE RIGHT PATH!!! IT TAKES GUTS TO START THIS JOURNEY, BUT NEVER FORGET THAT YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO IT ALONE!! THERE ARE PLENTY OF PEOPLE THAT WILL HELP YOU IN ANY WAY THEY CAN, YOU JUST HAVE TO FIND A MEETING AND INTRODUCE YOURSELF (I'm not a meeting type of person, but just knowing that if it gets tough I can always go to one and get some backup and make some friends has been a big help - the knowledge that I'm not alone has really relieved a lot of stress) I'll be praying for you and you girl
@@Nobe_Oddy hahaha I honestly appreciate the long novel. This is how my gf and I text eachother constantly and she loves to take a long long time thinking about the words and feelings she is putting into each and every message she sends me. Which I have not experienced before from anyone ever in my life so it makes me feel very loved. This is also how I know that you know exactly what you are taking about and what we are going through. Thank you for your kind words :) thank you for also staying on the right path and good luck to you as well.. you seem like you have a good head in your shoulders and for sure we are not alone. My lady and I have lived through some insane things things that would probably have killed most but after that lifestyle a hard day today is laughable. We slip up from time to time as humans are want to do. But I know between her and I.. our will power and our love is in breakable. Again ty for the ramblings. Have a great day :)
The second I heard the name "Kursk" I knew the story, and my heart sank. I'm Norwegian, and I remember this story very well. Our goverment and navy/navy divers pleaded the russians to let them help, to no avail. The norwegian divers were practically chomping at the bit from day one to please let them get in and help. This entire saga is so sad. RIP to the brave brothers from the east.
The only thing i heard was, sub, training excercise, freezing water and knew exactly what it was about, it's been 21 freakin' years? So many governments pleaded to let them help, mine as well, ready to go. But no, they had it all covered and screwed it up miserably, it still pisses me off.
@@tdscoop We big, we stronk, what puny help could you offer us. Not with these exact words, but yeah, that was the gist of it. Without having any experience in these kinds of delicate operations. We had ships who with some simple modifications could easily helped them in time, if they were send from the start of the disaster, but Russia was to busy thinking we gave a crap about their "state secrets" or something we couldn't care less about. In the end, they were of course heavily critisized by countries around the world.
@@Patrick_The_Pure this is very typical remaining from the socialist time mentality. They never tell the truth. They always hide. They don't mind sacrificing their own people. In the name of what? Few days after Chernobyl disaster happened it was 1st of May - labour day. In my country Bulgaria people were marching under the rain full of radiation. We had no clue what happened. The top leaders were not there. They've been hiding about what happened for more than a week. In the mean time people were eating contaminated vegetables and disposing themselves on the radiation. Finally we understood the truth thanks to Western radio stations, which some people could illegally listen.
@@tdscoop Because the Kursk was extremely expensive? Full of technology they did not want to share with anyone else. Every other nation on this planet would do the same if they had a weapon shrouded in secrecy lying at the bottom of the ocean. Imagine if an American nuclear sub sank and Russia or China offered to help? The US would decline in a heartbeat. Government's think in terms of resources and geopolitical advantages, sadly (and this applies to every nation) that means valuing war equipment over lives.
I remember this very well. The crazy thing about this was, that several European countries sent ships and wanted to help, but the Russians turned away the helpers.
What a heartbreaking story. I can’t even imagine what it’s like, waiting to die like that. Dimitry died doing what he loved, I hope that brought some peace to his family.
I was just a young mum in the UK but I remember rushing downstairs every morning to turn on the news to see if the men had been saved. An awful time and heartbreaking to discover they'd all perished
Was an awful time! I too, would get up and check the news for them, the whole country really got behind them and were WILLING them to survive - somehow! 😞
I remember this. I was outraged and horrified when help was refused. Those poor sailors! They were betrayed by their superiors that refused help. An entire crew lost for nothing more than ego/pride. RIP Sailors of the Kursk ✌😿
@@Tactics_Actual Mmyehokayyy is talking about the Russian recruitment video vs. The US Navy recruitment video. And I'd have to admit the US Navy video made the US look weak, it had nothing to do with the military it was about a "sailor" talking about her "two mothers". It was leftist bs and nothing to do with military prowess. I feel ashamed and betrayed because I served in the Navy for 6 years.
What a tragedy! These guys are hero’s, and it’s great to know that their families, although heart broken, were taken care of by the Military. Great story
@MURPHY’S LAW what a horrible thing to say. How dare you? And I mean that very literally, how do you dare to say something so terrible about people you know nothing about? These families suffered a major loss and no amount of money in the world can compensate for that. The families were not given millions, they received ten years wages, a free place to live and a college education for the children, this is a fraction of what their loved ones would have earned had they lived to continue working. Never mind the loss of a life partner or a father or son. Any person with half a brain knows this isn’t close to enough, no amount could ever be enough to make up for losing someone you love. Any person with half a brain would know this, I guess this tells us all we need to know about you, doesn’t it? Thunder
@MURPHY’S LAW Ahhh, bless him MURPHY'S LAW is feeling all lonely and had to turn to UA-cam for some attention and TLC. Are you feeling unloved? Do you need a cuddle? Bless him.
I knew someone who had been brutally attacked. She got up and started walking the 8 miles to the hospital. I had said, "I could NEVER have done that!" She said, "You don't know what you are capable of until you are in that situation!" You never know what you are capable of until you are in a situation. Dmitry probably would have said he would freak out if he got trapped in a sunken submarine (prior to it actually happening) but when the situation occurred, he found a strength and purpose in detailing what had happened. God Bless his soul and the souls/families of all concerned.
I remember the news from that time, I was around 8 years old and I was hoping they’d manage to rescue at least some of the men every single day the submarine was down. My heart broke all over again for these men.
I absolutely cannot imagine how scary that would be. Thank you for being such an amazing and respectful story teller, you and Bailey are my absolute favorites, hands down!
Mr.Ballen 6 months ago on one of your videos I told you I was gonna become an 11Bravo infantry, and you were one of my biggest inspirations to join the military. I just wanted to let you know that I earned my cross rifles, and I’m getting stationed with 101st airborne division at fort Campbell. I’ll be going to air assault school. Much respect to you for inspiring me to take this road.
My dad was in the 101st back in 82/83 time frame, in ft.Campbell-he has amazing stories had so much fun at ft.campbell after he waa stationed in Germany for a year or two-day thank you for your service!! Ft.c has a special place in our hearts in this family
How scared they must have been knowing that they didn't really have a chance to live through this . My cousin is a sub mariner in Georgia. This makes me think of him . He has been in the Navy as a Sub Mariner for 25 years now . I cant imagine all the things he has went through . I think it takes a special kind of person to do that . Thank you for yet another great video!!! Take care and stay safe my friend !!
All respectful for your cousin. That takes a lot of courage to be in a confined space with a chance of sinking beneath the ocean . Very brave people with nerves of steel💪💪💜💜🙏🙏✝️✝️.
As a Swedish person, dating one of the Norwegian divers; ( I'll refer to him as B and the ship as S, from now on); that did the dive into Kursk; I remember the story about that accident. (It was all over the news as well, of course). B wasn't allowed to tell me details, but he said it was the saddest dive, he had ever been part of. B also said, that the crew of S..., (and probably all of the people involved with the "war games"), were so FRUSTRATED and ANGRY over the Russians refusal to accept help! The equipment and manpower, were AT SITE AND READY; but the Russians wouldn't allow them to dive down into The Kursk ! They were spewing some nonsense about " military secrecy"! Such a WASTE and IDIOCY !!! Especially since the Russians had to ask the Norwegians for help in the end ANYWAY !!! B told me, that many of the crew and divers, were ready to ignore the Russians, do the dive anyway..., despite orders and risk of being court marshaled, as well as loosing their pay and careers. B said, it was very close to "mutiny" on S. Had it not been for the risk of A REAL WAR , B and the crew on S; could have SAVED THOSE POOR SOULS 😔 Instead the poor boys in compartment nine, had to die a cold and horrible death 😭 Now when I recall this story, I remember why B resigned, and started diving for the oil rigs in northern Norway instead. Unfortunately that lead to separation for us. 💔
No sir, you're making your story up! You just want all the attention for yourself! You probably never even dated a Norwegian diver! Or maybe not even a Norwegian!!!🤨. 🤣😂
That is such a heartbreaking story. It is so sad that those people were left to suffer and die slowly in the dark because of the incompetence of those in charge. Like "gee that felt like some rather aggressive explosions. We can't contact the sub participating in the exercise. Hmm, oh I am sure they're fine." Just boggles the mind that people who think like that are in charge.
Yeah, news about an underwater explosion were reported on Norwegian TV quite early. With a fairly accurate location, possibly before the surviving crew perished. We knew the score well before the Russians would even mention it. And the memory of the Tchernobyl reactor explosion and its aftermath was still quite fresh...
I highly doubt that the people in charge were too incompetent to realize what happened and take charge. I believe that the government delayed the rescue efforts for so long for three reasons. First, they initially wanted to keep the explosion a secret, in hopes that they could save (some of) the crew without it becoming a huge media scandal. They were in the middle of a training exercise, meaning they didn’t want to have to release ANY details of what was going on there to the public unless it was absolutely necessary. Second, once they realized what happened, they denied help from international sources because they didn’t want their top secret info to be seen by outsiders. The sub they were on was said to be their newest marvel; so it contained a LOT of new tech that the Russian navy was testing. They denied outside help because they DID NOT want any other countries to see their newest warfare measures. So, for 9 days, they tried to handle the situation on their own. Then, on the 9th day, they conceded, knowing that delaying the truth would only cause more scrutiny than it’d save. Finally, after realizing that containing the event was inevitable, the navy had to do damage control. They for sure knew more about what happened than they released, and they painted the story in a way that would look as heroic as possible; while also trying to deter from the way they neglected to save the survivors of the two blasts. They then paid off the families of the deceased because they knew that they’d face backlash. Military families are very keen to the workings of “protocol”. They would’ve easily seen through the media attempt to save face and know that their loved ones didn’t have to die. They were paid off in order to not fight back. They knew that their loved ones were left to die because the government wanted to protect it’s war tactics and new tech from being seen by outsiders. And they knew that their husbands would rather see that they be taken care of for life as opposed to them struggling in their absence. So, incompetence was not at play here. The reaction of those in charge was very well “by the book”. It’s very evident in how they interacted with the media.
I knew the story of the Kursk pretty well, but as it is with every single story you tell us, you narrated it from a different perspective than the one that's usually presented, you don't use a cold, clinical tone but instead, after you've done extensive research, you tell the story with a strong focus on the victim's & hero's own perspective, making us not only understand but really LIVE through ordeal they were faced with. You bring to life and give a voice, a humanity to those who can't speak anymore. You bring them back to life for a moment and make sure that they stay alive forever in our memories! Like I said, I KNEW ABOUT the Kursk incident, but NOW, I KNOW ABOUT THE TRAGEDY THAT BEFELL THE CREW OF THE KURSK!
@@acidbabe573 I sense a tiny bit of sarcasm, just as you probably can sense a bit of euphemism from this comment. However, such a great video delivered by such an amazing human being absolutely deserved to be praised. I find it important to take the time/opportunity to congratulate, thank and express how much of a important & positive impact people like John have! But... Besides finding it long, did you appreciate what I said? Or just came to troll (which doesn't bother me since it was very respectful and hence "trolling" is much too strong a word)?
@@christiangauthier727 nah,, I wouldn't wanna call myself a troll coz I sincerly don't hate ya... I just love playing around, even times making others laugh. Idn if that's trolling or so be it, all I care is I don't have those evil disturbing thoughts towards strangers. Also I do essays myself before and I'm gonna do now only coz I feel as I had a little bit (or not) hurt ya feelings, and so as a methadone apology - Tbh I admire John surely more than ya would expected from me. I also agree to yr first comment about all of him but the thing is I again like acting as an opposite person... I like to say no when inside it's absolutely yes, so instead of just agreeing I'll naughtily act opposite to what he/she feels. So that's me explain myself as best as my knowledge allows me, but I'm not singing any sympathy song. I bet ya even think I have some loose screws imma head.... oops that's true😄😅 I guess I just love to fool around, make a fool of myself whtevr.. ..but l promise ya that physically I wouldn't even hurt a fly unless it literally flew into my mouth 😅 ☮️
@17:02: What a complete disaster and tragedy. On the bright side, Dimitri's an ABSOLUTE CHAD for holding it together for so long, even when he knew he was dying. I was waiting for him to write a note to his wife; I knew he was going to do so...just had to hear it!
I've been on YT for years, but after discovering this channel it's by far my favorite channel. I actually go to bed at night listening to these stories (my wife is like WTF are you listening too?!) Honestly it's not because of the gruesomeness or outcomes, but it's because MrBallen has the knack of the best story telling ever. I feel like a little kid listening to a campfire story.
My hubby was also tired of me binge watching/listening to Mr. Ballen when I first found his channel, but I could see how he was getting hooked with some of the stories. Now that I'm all caught up and I only have three or four stories a week (two in UA-cam and two in the podcast) he doesn't mind. He also knows what I mean when I say stuff like, "I brought a coworker to that inspection because I don't want to end up in a story from Mr. Ballen's channel." 🤣 Btw, the person doing the channel in Spanish has good Spanish, but not such a nice voice. Sounds cartoonish instead of mysterious.
I’ve never been happier for a UA-camr. Seeing mr ballen’s subscriber count soar is awesome. I hope his pockets are busting at the seams from this awesome content. Thank you for the stories sir
@@MrBallen my sentiments exactly. I miss my dad’s storytelling ability. He passed in 2016, and ironically, our surname is the same. His name was Steve Allen. People tell me I inherited his storytelling ability, and maybe I did, but you are the closest person I’ve ever heard that could tell a story about anything, and keep his audience captivated. 🤩 Thank you! 🙏🏻 I know that many people do not realize the magnitude of work required to research, film and edit videos. Blessings to you and your family! ❤️
Okay, then the next time you're physically threatened, just put your arms behind your back and let the assailant beat the crap out of you. You lose either way, right? What the hell did this video have to do with war anyway? Kryste, when someone has something stuck in their little brain they can never seem to get out of their own way.
This is the most terrifying story I've heard in a while. Such an unnecessary tragedy. I tried taking a nap while listening to this and as someone who loves water but realizes it's power .... gave me such chest crushing anxiety I couldn't breathe. This might also have a little something to do how well Mr.ballen is at detailed story telling
Go watch the story of the men trapped in pearl harbor. The marines guarding the sunk ship could hear them banking on metal for almost 3 weeks before they all died... That's heart breaking to my friend...
I kept thinking you’d say “And so the crew in the last three chambers were rescued and Demetri was rejoined with his wife. He never dove again and left the navy and now works in Minsk as a sub safety advisor.” But, as usual, it didn’t go that way and I feel like crap. Still Ballen, I never miss an episode. Thank you. 👍🏻🇺🇸
@@mrsinkzn Your'e both obviously under 25 yrs old, this was international news back then and I knew straight away from the name Kursk how it was going to end
Just discovered this channel yesterday. I’ve watch four videos already. Love your story telling. Just the right amount of detail to be informative, but not too much to make us disengaged.
yea, russians just don't have regard for individual life like americans and europeans... for example, if USS indianapolis happened to russians, nobody would've been saved..
I remember this heart breaking story too. The russian navy should have gone into rescue mission the moment there was any concern at all. It was just terrible.
Even though Mr Ballen’s stories have put me off camping for life… I can’t help but feel like a camping trip with him telling stories around a camp fire, would be a complete dream!
5:14 the secret bottom left corner
you are todays winner! the secret image is John Hammond!
oh man, you beat me to it
Second
@@MrBallen hey
dang it, i was so close lol
Thank God you're back!! I have had NOTHING Strange, dark and mysterious delivered to me in a story format for ages.
There are strange things done in the midnight sun
By the men who moil for gold;
The Arctic trails have their secret tales
That would make your blood run cold;
-Robert Service 1906
😂👍
Yesterday 😕
🤣🤣🤣🤣
I hear ya!!! I was literally not sleeping well, eating, drinking, bathing, parenting or cleaning until today. Was considering committing myself.
"no need to despair, regards to everyone" a real soldier, and very admirable!
VERY admirable!!!
Unfortunately a life 1 of many lost to the pride of a country's government
True
Seriously, in the moment where most would be aimlessly clamoring hopelessly, he accepted his fate and decided to take all that pain upon himself.. that line is a very hermetic way of saying “the thought of you sad is worse than death, please don’t worry”
That’s a real man right there.
Dimitri kun 🥺
Imagine knowing you're gonna die in some minutes/hours but still being brave and calm enough to write a note explaining the ordeal. Hats off to all of them.
@@msdadsfsx Lol, too cold and too deep.
Cool, now I don't have to watch the video
@@TheRealRealOK that's what I thought too but then how did the Swedish dive team make it?
@@JoseGranny They had proper diving equipment.
Imagine you are relying on a professional response & rescue but then after some thought you understand this is the Russian Navy & you are doomed.
Demitri was hard core to be that calm of mind to write a letter documenting then lamenting his experience. It blows my mind.
His situation awareness is elite, just one of those superhuman moments, of reflecting and coming to peace all while he gives his last words… that shit is alpha asf.
Easy to do. He couldn't go anywhere lol
Dimitri is the definition of a real man. Rest easy Sir.
When you accept work like this, you must be prepared to this end!!! Submarine is not only a good money - it's so dangerous and big responsibility!!! This submarines have a atomic weapons on boards and they must be prepared to use this weapon if it should be necessary!!! Hello from Russia!!!
I have spent 21 years avoiding this, but I finally watched it. One of those never recovered, was my cousin’s son. His father committed suicide about a year later. The loss to the families is felt even on the other side of the globe, here in Oz. May those brave men RIP. Bog blagoslovit ikh. ☦️ 🙏🕯
Memory eternal. ☦️☦️☦️
Sorry for your loss. The story was moving enough, but your comment brought me to tears.
Also the first time watching it. I was young when it happened. I know it drowned but no details .. sad
Heartbreaking 💔...May God be with his spirit; both father & son. As a brand new father, I can't & don't even want to fathom how devastating....😢
Wow RIP 🙏
What an absolute legend of a man, for in the middle of all that terror, to have his final words be, “Regards to everybody, no need to despair”
i know
Shut up
Samara, no doubt. What guts. Major respects to all submariners.
he was a realist.
So badass
I really appreciate seeing Mr B as he talks rather than just his voice. Mannerisms, body language and gesticulations really help flesh out the words to a greater degree than I would have thought!
You got a bit of a man crush huh..?
Big Facts
@@user-wn3xj4kv1i not saying yes, not saying no.
He is like Mussolini! Lol
“I don’t know what to do with my hands”
-Ricky Bobby
-also Michael Scott probably
I am 83 years of age, my late dad was a wonderful story teller, and you young man are doing a better job than he did. I listen to all your stories, you have a rare gift as a story teller, keep doing it you help old people like me keep being interested in life
Stay interested in life and stay interested in beautifully narrated stories Alan.
My sister was murdered by her boyfriend less than a week ago and no matter what I do all I can think about is her... your videos are my only distraction to keep my mind in a stoic state. Your videos and stories help people in ways you could never imagine. Thank you for your service to our country and also your service to the public. I could never thank you enough John.
So sorry for your loss. Love and prayers to your family.
Not the content I'd watch if my sister was murdered
Heartfelt prayers and positive thoughts for you and your family Katrina. May your sister be at peace. I cannot begin to imagine this kind of loss. Binge Mr. Ballen to give your heart small breaks for healing. My heart is with you and yours!
Oh no! Im very sorry for your loss. Really. I have a sister that i dearly love. I couldn't imagine what you're going through. Peace to you and your family.....
My condolences to you and your family I hope you are doing well ❤️
Serious credit to Dmitri for having the calm to write that letter even in the dark KNOWING you are about to die. Peace to his family & all the others who lost their loved ones in this incredibly tragic accident
Even as an excellent swimmer, lover of the ocean and former lifeguard, the thought of drowning has always been my biggest fear. I cannot imagine the utter fear as well as brave resolve these men showed facing this certain demise. But it makes me wonder why no peaceful death is afforded these submariners trapped in such inevitable circumstances. Cyanide pills that only crew members can access (so no k-wording themselves during hard times). Seems like a system could be created so that impending doom and the suffering therein could be avoided. Maybe I don’t understand the concept of “going down with the ship,” but just waiting for water to slowly fill the compartment and then their lungs until they drowned is truly heartbreaking. R.I.P. brave submariners.
People who realize they will have to die one day dosent fear death especially people in military
MrBallen is a legend for covering these dark stories. Top bloke.
top dawg yo!
huehuehuehue~
Its not a new concept but he is very skilled at the niche of immersing you in the story. Im surprised he hasn't wrote a book or been offered a job in audio books
Another Aussie fan. Nice mate🇦🇺
Hot dog water 😂 😂 😂
well he used to do 5 a week, not 2 but ok :)
Imagine losing your family member who fought for their country because their country was too uncaring/unorganized whatever else to do anything to save them or accept help to do so...what a shame. RIP Dimitri and crew.
That's exactly what happened to my only brother. He enlisted, fought & served, came home suffering horribly from PTSD. When he begged for help, did our country do anything? No. Not one thing. He took his life at 36. He received no honor, no burial. Nothing. Suicide among our veterans continue at an alarming rate. The VA sucks.
@@SwedeProof Stay loud. They failed him and this message deserves to be heard and recognized for what it is. My heart is with you... and I'm sorry for the pain youve been left with.
Russians are used to it. Look what the Russian government is doing now to its own people
I found a movie named Kursk (Курск) that was filmed in 2018 that based of the events that happened in the submarine Kursk
@@bm-ww8kb I'm very grateful... your words are deeply appreciated. Honoring my brother through writing
helps to stay strong. MY DREAM -- meeting with Tom Hanks to present a creative biography depicting Erik's mind-blowing survival in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive -- and the mind-blowing destruction caused by PTSD. Mr. Hanks is not a veteran -- yet his mind and soul hold a deep, unique understanding of war from the soldiers perspective. "Band of Brothers" captures this brilliantly. This is a dream for Erik, not me. This little sis is merely telling his story. The truth, gov't lies, his pain. But filled with love.
You are seriously the best storyteller on UA-cam
Thank you!
Definitely! You’re unsurpassed in the ability to captivate with your own unique style of telling a story! You’re this generation’s Mark Twain. Much love from Texas!
@@MrBallen i usually hate horror but not on this channel.... keep up the good work!
@@MrBallen my fave💙
Love every video he’s done.
I’d watch him explain how to make Ramen noodles!! I’d even leave my fam sitting hungry at the table, while I play dumb, just to watch it twice. 🍜
Dimitri in his most frightened moments of his life.. took out a pen and paper to tell everyone not to worry or despair about him. What a guy.. Good the families were taken care of that's important.
Exactly - he chose to comfort his loved ones, as the end rapidly approached. I really admire him for that.
Taken care of does not = lost family member. It would be one think if he died in war, but they died so senselessly. And because the Russian government is more concerned about how they look rather than peoples lives, they denied help that could have saved at least some of the people.
@@bostontowny4life744 yes I just watched Chernobyl on HBO and Russia cared more about hiding it from the rest of the world, and acting like everything was ok, than saving lives of the people that lived anywhere close to the reactor..
The very least their govt could’ve done after such negligence.
Ok but how did they read the note after he supposedly drowned??? Not adding up on that
Poor Dima. He was so happy with his job and his wife. RIP to him and everyone else who died.
I feel sorry watching this so sad for all them men I could never imagine knowing I'm going to die and just waiting there for it to happen
You gave up the game. Lol!!! It was so sad!!!! Dmitri is a legend. Poor guy.
As a diver, I can't imagine going into a sunken submarine as a salvage/rescue diver and seeing bodies just floating. That would just be enough to give me nightmares for the rest of my life. Very sad.
I know a guy who’s job at his FD is to locate the body only .
He dives locates, then send up a buoy at the location for others to recover. Large recreation lake area in PA.
I'm myself a search and rescue diver for the german lifeguard service "Wasserwacht". The jobs I hate the most are body search and recovery dives at nighttime because it feels so eerie just swimming through the black water with almost no visibility other than the beam of your flashlight and usually we don't have a voice intercom connection with other divers or people on the surface. So you are usually alone except for the signaling rope connecting you to the boat. Finding the body at that point is the worst and best situation imaginable because luckily it's over and you get to go home and sleep, but finding a corpse just floating a little over the mud is really fcking scary and you can only really hope it has its back turned to you and not the face. I can't imagine what it's like diving to the kursk. the ocean is so much more scary than a lake in my opinion... the pressure alone and knowing you can't surface any time you want... also the big superstructure of the kursk emerging from the darkness is something I would pay for to never have to imagine again...
I was in subs for 6 years, stationed in Connecticut when this happened. It’s outrageous that these men had to die like that just because the Russian govt wouldn’t allow foreigners to go down and rescue them. Submariners of all nations are like a brotherhood - everyone was heartbroken with this story.
I imagine as a SEAL, Mr. Ballen has probably been on a sub.
You think USA would let Russia rescue their sub or hush it up?
groton CT? i live near there :)
@@mena7942 they gotta pay us first. no green = get off the scene.
It's so Sad..and heartbroken for these men and their families 😥❤
just wanted to say that your lack of in-video ads & sponsorships doesn't go unnoticed!
thank you for simply providing good entertainment above all-else :)
Ten seconds after I read this the video was interrupted by a skippable ad.
Damn is this UA-cam reminding me to play risk of rain?
Eh fuck that he should be able to have sponsorships for more lighthearted videos and not feel bad about it. He needs to make a living too, check mark. I’m sure you’re taking all kinds of sponsorships, why say this to him?
I hate the shameless ones that even though they do good vids they brazenly wait a minute in then VERBALLY bang on about their sponsors. I'd slap them.
@@Kelly14UK They need to make a living too.
Me and my dad talk more now then we ever did as I was growing up, now that I’m older I send him your videos and we talk about it and we’ve really grown a lot closer. My dad has really bad PTSD from desert storm. You’ve given us something to bond over. Thank you Mr. Ballen
This is a truly awesome thing to read. Im glad you and your fathers relationship has blossomed. Im 34 and can honestly say my father is my best friend out of everybody. We also both watch mr. Ballen and text/call afterwards to talk about it.
This needs to be liked and pinned to the top! Very glad you and your father can bond over this. My father also has chronic anxiety and PTSD but his therapy is sports haha
Ptsd from desert storm? What happened did the chow hall run out of food and they had to eat mres?
I don't know why, but this story made me burst into tears at the end. Knowing that they could have been saved, but also the torturous waiting for death. At the beginning I was so hopeful that Demetri had survived because you mentioned he told the story. Absolutely heartbreaking 💔😞
Can only hope that hypothermia took them not drowning
It makes me really hate the idea and all wars.
We are all just people, with families and friends.
So sad.
I found that part to be absolutely unforgivable!! As an American, my dislike of the Russian government certainly reaches a level where this whole scenario doesn't surprise me to even the smallest degree, but I must admit that they did surprise me for how far they went with compensation to the families.
I mean I think it's certainly something I would like to see given to more families of those killed in action, but I have to wonder if the fact that this was immensely preventable and happened strictly while conducting routine, one-country training exercises was the main motivation behind such compensation. I mean whether or not that's the case, I was at least able to feel SLIGHTLY less horrible for the families at the end. I mean all the riches and privileges in the world wouldn't ever be enough to fill the void that losing a loved one causes, but considering I only found this UA-cam channel like an hour ago and have only seen the videos covering average civilian deaths with 0% compensation to their families, it was, at the least, refreshing to hear the extent of their compensation.
Less Russian soldiers - the better.
😢😢😢exactly! I'm watching the movie now, it's on the last part where their having "breakfast" and the guy wats to tell his polar bear joke and someone drops the lamp(?) Still at that part. I had to stop for a little bit. Still tearing up here. And their own government didn't give a rat's 🐀 hiney about them refused foreign aide til it was too late.
I am Russian and this was a big devastating accident that happened when I was young. It was horrific knowing that those men were trapped there and our government at the time refuse any foreign help or helped them to get out alive. Anyone who remembers this still till today heartbroken 💔
Your country's never had a decent government, I feel sorry for you.
@@iloveyoushima I agree but I also think no country has ever had a decent government…government will always do what they want
@@amilie2022 Even the US government wouldn't sit idle while it's people died, knowing full well it could save them. Nor would the UK, Japan, or any other first world country.
@@iloveyoushima I am not going to get into this debate because I don’t trust any governments and yes there are plenty stories in each of those countries you just mention when government also did not react. You have got to understand that countries run by first of all people and everyone does mistakes. Horrible and sometimes unforgiving mistakes. I am not nationalist or patriot and I can safely say I don’t trust any government.
@@amilie2022 I'm not trying to imply that Russia is evil. People who believe Russia is evil are idiots. Russia has been the good guy in history while the west has been the bad, examples being the Balkan wars of the 1990s and the Chrimean war in 1853. What I'm saying is this sort of thing would NEVER happen in the UK or most of the western world, that's all. As a whole, I quite like Russia, but this arrogance is typical of the Russian government.
The thing I love most about many of these stories is how MrBallen keeps the memory of those deceased alive. You're doing an amazing work Mr. B
I feel like a lot of people who post content in this category often glorify the horror and treat the people as if they aren’t real. But Mr.Ballen doesn’t, I feel like he does a great job at humanizing the people in these stories.
True, he was a SF soldier and definitely has empathy and honor...he tells all his stories with respect for the people in them. And is great at it too...👍
I love when you clarify the real photos from the not real photos. Thank you 🙂
The saddest thing about this is I thought Dimitri had survived, the way you started the story made it sound like he got out. I was really sad to hear he hadn’t. I remember hearing about this in the news back when it happened but didn’t know this much detail about the incident.
I thought the same too.
Me too. Even worst is they only got 10 years salary. They should have got millions.
I felt that way for a moment, too, but then I remembered there were no survivors...
I blame the government for their too Stubborn and Pride
thanks for spoiling it
man his videos are starting to do ridiculously well. As someone who's been here since the start, I'm so proud for him.
Thank you!!
Me too! Been watching for a long time now. Love every video I've seen them all lol
at least he’s not resorting to hoaxes, special guests, and lying to viewers in his content…one i used to listen to has converted to nothing but lies and fake content
I have lost a couple night sleep this week just binge watching as of late, starting with Tictoc
@@MrBallen suggestion:
“The Company “- Girl in a box
"Regards to everyone, no need to despair"
That's a true soldier right there. RIP Dimitri
I was only aware of this channel yesterday. But the moment i saw it i couldn't avoid getting completely addicted. You're a great storyteller man. Simple and effective. No big flashes and pops and bangs... just the power of words and the right amount of emphasis and enthusiasm. Great recipe 👌 It has everything to be a big success and look how many viewers love to hear you patiently. That's a great virtue man 👌🙌
Keep up the good work 👏
I couldn't imagine the fear you'd feel dying like that.
Me niether
I would need meds to induce suicide. Terrible
im just surprised i thought everyone knew about this story, besides K19 or the hero that stopped the nuclear launch its in the top 3 russian sub disasters
Me either-
@@KaladinVegapunk you’re absolutely right. Except in the true version of the story, the world watched in horror as the Soviets allowed their men to drown, refusing assistance from America through sheer narcissism.
I like how he doesn't exaggerate the horror aspects about the story like most other channels do. Just enough sound effects and researched pictures to put throughout the video that made it easier to imagine the situation. Props to you Sir
This poor man, all of the crew on the submarine who’s memories I’m
Sure will
Never be forgotten. it must have been horrendous for them all. My thoughts and preyers with all the families concerned.
"regards to everybody, no need to despair"
Somehow makes me feel like crying more honestly. It's so much, and such a kind touch from somebody who had been doomed so unfairly.
That's exactly how I felt!! 😢
Do it normally cry dishonestly?? Lol
😢 yes
I could have never been that calm, what a man.
We all don t like the way putin puts all in the world in danger... but no one want s this soldiers ...who were very professional ..to pass to a situation like that!!! It s sad people lke putin and know that as.....e who is rulling china ...put all of us in danger just for they re benefit...and not they re own people or even others in the world!!
i remember being in mid school when this happened. this was in all the news channels and was very depressing. the fact that the government refused to accept help in rescuing them leads to suspicion that there was something they were covering up
My husband was serving as a Submariner when this event happened. It was horrific, and terrified me that something like this could happen to him. My heart breaks for the families of this crew that is still on patrol.
If it did happen, the response wouldn't be criminally stupid like the Russian Navy.
@@nightshift5201 well if it’s an American sub then the response would be worse.
@@nightshift5201 You got that right, Buddy! 🇺🇸
My husband was also at sea on an American submarine at the time and it was terrifying. Those saying that the American response would have been worse don't know what they are talking about. The Russians had a dreadful safety record for submarines, especially in comparison to the USA.
@@markelly-de1hy you don’t know what you’re talking about. If you think America is good at setting safety standards then you are deeply mistaken.
I like that Mr. Ballen doesn't just do a voice over, but actually shows his face, expressions, hand gestures, etc, and really fleshes out all the major and minor details of a story. It adds a lot more feeling to the story and, at least for me, makes it so much more engaging. I'll listen to someone reading a creepypasta or something in the background while I'm playing a game because its just background noise, but with Mr. Ballen's videos I actually feel compelled to watch the video along with it because he does such a great job of keeping my attention.
Yea I agree some people say that they listen to his videos like a podcast but I never do I always watch them
And he puts pics when he can! I fully agree with you. His are so much better than just the talking!
I can see what's going on in my head like a movie when he tells his stories. I like watching his videos, but when I have to do something else I can just listen and get more out of his stories than I would have had it just been a voiceover or a podcast.
Yeah he does. He talks about the little details more than the actual story.
hes like a history teacher
I think will can all agree John is the best story teller of our time. Plenty of these stories I’ve heard before and still always watch
I heard the last story he told but he told it from a different perspective than I had heard it before. Took me a bit but I finally realized it.
I agree, he's an awesome storyteller. He should definitely have more subs.
I think he talks too much about the little details that have very little to do with the story. By the time he gets done with them all I don't even know what story he was talking about.
@@basstard4639 I don’t think so, it all relates. Confusing, yeah, but needed information? Also yeah.
Nope
I'm aware of this situation but nobody tells it like Mr Ballen. Certainly don't mind listening to your stories more than once. I live alone with cancer - so thankful to have you for company.
@Becky Hambrick: HI Becky. I saw your name and had to do a double-take...it's somewhat similar to mine!
I was sorry to hear about your illness. I'll say a prayer for you, OK? Hope this message helps you feel a little better and makes you smile!
Love, your new friend Bob
No matter how bad my life gets, the stories that you tell, make me truly appreciate the life I have. Thank you Mr. Ballen. Hooyah.
Agreed...
At least im not a scuba diver in an underwater cave , with warning signs and pictures of the grim reaper
Syria everyday
What?
Damn! Life been that rough on you?
@@chriscoker7794 No twat I live in Scotland
What a heartbreaking true story.
My oldest brother was a Chief Petty Officer on a nuclear submarine. On his keyring, he had a very oddly shaped key. When I asked what it went, he explained that it was for locking and unlocking ballast doors on the sub.
After hearing this story, the gravity of the key is much more poignant.
Thank you Mr Ballen.
yes, you are basically trapped in a giant sardine can under tons of freezing water , filled with tons of explosives and in the case of nuclear subs enough radioactive material to melt you down in minutes; the very stealth advantage the sub has over the rest of military surface/air vessels is its very own achilles heel in case of emergency rescue
Yes ma’am my cousin’s husband works for the navy. You’re not lying it’s a funky shaped key..the ships and submarines are pretty cool. You should be able to take a tour as you’re family and all. Maybe not as of right now but once things change with restrictions for health reasons. And please tell him “thank you brother” served 1 tour marines and last 2 tours in the army. And got hurt but I sure miss it.
I was a sonar technician on a submarine. And we would do Submarine Escape Training annually. Thankfully it's training I never had to perform in a real scenario
@봇 집 Casandra 팼 차🌹😜 This makes absolutely no sense go away Bot
@@bbkayy1854 Just report it for spam
This is one of the stories that makes me cry. Knowing these brave, strong young men faced a horrible AVOIDABLE death with such courage and concern for their loved ones.
Drowning in freezing arctic water in pitch blackness inside a small compartment....that’s gotta be one of the worst ways to go I’ve ever heard of.
The moment you said “submarine” I knew it was gonna be about Kursk. Such a painful tragedy. Thank you for bringing attention to the story, Mr Ballen, stay awesome! 🔥
It has to be one of the saddest and emotionally torturous ways to go.
He said Kursk before submarine.
@@CasperInkyMagoo 1:37 he says submarine first. 4:23 he says Kursk for the first time.
Plenty of sub disasters
Yeah, one of the first incidents of putins leadership as I recall, and it wasn't exactly handled too well.
THIS is what we need more from content creators. Not too long, not misleading, and straight to the point videos. Respect to you
No click baits here
Being a submarine veteran I prayed for these fellow submariners souls. As all submariners know, it doesnt matter what country we serve, we understand the real threat of death while aboard a submarine. Doing three tours and 18 patrols on three different boats didn't make it any easier. Knowing some of the casualty situations we combated while on my first boat and second boat, it's a stark reminder that we could have been in the same situation. Not with torpedoes but with other things that happened.
Thanks for your service ! I was part of submarine development group #1( projects boat ) when Mare Island was still going . I was on the Seawolf SSN 575 . Have you read the book " Blind Man's Bluff ? We did spooky stuff . .......best job I ever had ! KUDOS to you and a bravo Zulu ! I crossed the international date line , and still have my card.... Domain of the Golden Dragon !
THANK YOU for your service!!
@@georgehays4908 I stayed in little boxes drawn on the ocean for 3 months and hid. I was a Missile Technician. I was a program manager at OPTEVFOR working with the now not so new SSGN program to help figure out how to make the surface ttwcs work under water.
I hate to ask but if I may. What makes a submarine implode?
@@GamingBot90 Because it is under an immense pressure from the water and if the integrity of the structure is broken somehow let's say by a torpedo blow, it could implode. But an entire sub imploding is unlikely unless it sinks down the ocean because of some malfunction and end up way, way below it's operating depth.
Then it could of course implode like an empty soda can crushed in your hand.
I remember this case coming on the news when it happened, and I find it heartbreaking they didn"t accept help sooner.
As a Norwegian I know this story very well. But I've never had such an appreciation for the human side as after listening to this. Story telling is a powerful tool and you excel at it. And both the crew and it's families deserve no less. Great job!
Exactly enjoy how he goes deep and includes the victims and their family like u r actually there
As a Veteran, nothing replaces someone’s life, but if I did die serving my country, knowing my family would have a home, college education, and my pay for years to come, it would comfort me in my final hour.
sad part is that this is not true for anyone living in russia.
You as an individual may enlist to "serve your country", but in reality you're just serving an unjust and corrupt government. Doesn't matter which one since they're all equally corrupt.
@Marve Lous If you think that, then you're blind and incredibly naive. Study up. Think. Learn. Observe. And most of all, be honest to yourself as you do it. Your statement makes me wonder how old you are. Only teenagers carry that level of unawareness. If the C virus alone hasn't shown you that this world is a stage and we're all being manipulated, then I'm afraid there's not much else to say here.
Ever heard of MKULTRA? Yes? No? I wouldn't even know where to begin if you actually think your comment has any validity whatsoever.
@Cian MacGanaOkay. Feel free to elaborate with detail precisely what you mean by that if you have the mental capacity to do so. I know the world I live in, and it's beyond grotesque. Almost everything presented to you by any form of government is nothing but a facade. But as I said, feel free to explain yourself.
@Cian MacGana Clearly Brian doesn't know this. Which is who I was responding to in my original comment. So your point isn't hitting home.
And what does it even mean to me when you say "you're just going through a phase of being exposed to this kind of information"? I'm 42 and have been down these rabbit holes for a good 25 years now. So what's with the "you're so woke" bullshit? Based on your reply, you agree with me. So what is your point here?
I was a part of the US surface Navy. In my experience, our Naval family felt a strong kinship to Sailors of any country. Even those who don’t always get along with ours. Stories like this will always own a part of our hearts. Fair winds and following seas to those Russian brothers!
On a side note, glad to see MrBallen back! I hope he had a wonderful time with his family!
I love to hear that!
Very well said there shipmate! I believe this is why so many foreign navies were offering their assistance so quickly. I must agree with you, if we hear that any sailors are in desperate need like that we would take it very personally and want to volunteer in any capacity within our capabilities. There have been stories of our naval vessels passing by Russian vessels during tense times, yet the crews would share a friendly wave or even a salute just to acknowledge the others and the fact that they are simply doing their jobs. It takes a special personality to volunteer to go out to sea for sometimes months at a time, but those who hear the calling are cut from the very same cloth.
Thank you for your service! My father was onboard the U.S.S. Fort Mandan during the Korean War. His brother was also a Navy Korean War veteran, but I don't know the name of the ship he was on.
@@jayrose6312 Thank you for your service!
My dad was on the U.S.S. Midway during peace time (idk what year but he is in his 80s). My dad has told me countless stories about his times on that ship. Thank you for your service!
I remember following the news story for this intently at the time, because I was waiting for my shipping out date for the Royal Navy and for days there was still hope that the sailors had survived. Even now, 22 years on, I can still hear the words of the news narrator as he talked over the footage of the much anticipated rescue submarine finally docking with one of the Kursk's hatches, after so much needless, frustrating delay. He described what the rescue divers found when they swung open the hatch, hoping so much to look down into an air-filled compartment and see the smiling, relieved faces of the sailors:
"Inside, the sub was completely flooded with water"
It was then that I knew there was no hope and all of those men had perished. RIP to them all, on eternal patrol.
MrBallen's descriptive and concise storytelling really helps you visualize the distress and terror someone goes through in a story
First time ive seen a comment of yours without thousands of likes(yet) 😳
here before this blown up
Hi again :)
at this point you are like family
yes, this is the 789th day i have seen you. *nice.*
"Regrds to everyone, no need to despair, kolesnikov." That man was a savage. I love that spirit. I served aboard the submarine USS New Hampshire (SSN-778).. While Russia was/is our rival, I hate to see such men go down like that. RIP, brothers!
While Russia may be America's enemy. Those men are just doing what they believe is right for their country, just like you. :) Blame the country, not the men who serve it.
@@chrismaxwell2274
NO, not the COUNTRY but the Leaders of them!
I think every Strong & well-balanced Nation takes great heed for the care of their Citizenry... America used to BE that example & Russia has grown into being so....
too bad America has fallen & is under the thumb of China's Technocracy while China disguises its' own misgivings under the illusion of remaining Communistic...
Pffft'! What a load of crap!!
Open your eyes...its right in front of you!
Just like Taxes, Freedom will never be regained!
GOD BLESS
🌿💕🌿
@@mjk6618 the only time America was great and doing anything good is way before it was colonized. It actually cared about its people and loved each other . Then it turned violent and air polluted bc money is sooooo important instead of the people . Please- It’s so shit rn. But yk… “gOd blESS “
@@greenlybeanly2839 Ew a commie
@@greenlybeanly2839 "It actually cared about its people" What 'it' America didn't exist nor did any other country
Also
"It actually cared about its people and loved each other" LOL right the tribes fighting and offing other tribes, stealing their women, scalping heads... You're either a troll or a fool 😂
When you're so good at storytelling that you're audiences doesn't realize they no longer see your face and starts to play the scenes on top of their heads, imagining each as if a film is being played. Wow.
He learned from his father.😲🚬 me!
Damn didn’t notice I was doing this, I was sitting there picturing Dimitri writing while shivering and his crew mates preparing to die.
So damn true!!!!
Facts
And of course, simultaneously, scrolling through the comment section.
Depending on the depth it's likely that the submariners in the front half of the vessel were killed by pressurized asphyxia rather than just drowning. Such a scary career, my dad was a submariner and these tin cans are absolute nightmare fuel. Cool to learn about, but still nightmare fuel.
That would be good. Drowning sounds scarier to me.
It was relatively shallow. The bottom was about 100 metres or so. If the escape hatch had worked they probably would've been able to get out.
@@dianabalan if it would be filling up, it is pressure and drowning at the same time. But they were in shallow water so they only had minor pressure effects. Everyone died from drowning who didn't die from the initial explosion
It was only 100m deep
Only 6-9 compartments survived, nobody drowned in the first compartments
As a submariner of over 11 years myself, I can assure you that in times like these, we only see Dolphins and not the color of the flag they represent. Submarine accidents and tragedies are remarkably rare the world over, which is a testament to the engineering that goes into these machines and the quality of the men and women who operate them from one day to the next. Every submariner knows that the chances of survival following a significant incident is pretty low, but that doesn't make your heart bleed any less when something like this happens. Fair winds, shipmates.
Fair winds? Should you say fair currents or something since ur a subbie
Yes! I had submariner friends who told me stories of regular stuff that would scare anyone anyway. So much pressure. Trudents were built in my hometown and I watched the last shipyard/port ships leave -and then the Tridents leave years later. Known for the Hunley. It takes sheer guts. I have toured some, but of course, never submerged. I feel for them and for their families that know this story. It wasnt Pearl Harbor or our guys as Americans. But everybit as heartbreaking.
I am not a submariner but i am a navy vet that now works on them, i have respect for anyone in any military from any country. And of course there's a special place in my heart for the submarine community. It is NOT easy and i don't wish any submarine accidents on anyone.
May I ask why there isn’t any safety smaller submarine that is well protected in case of emergencies
@@Graymenn winds make currents
Such a tragedy to know his superiors did nothing for too long. Lives could possibly been saved if action had been taken. Much respect to the crew and especially for Dimitri writing that note.
My understanding was that the rescue vehicle topside was outdated, unreliable and unable to attach to the subs hatch due to currents and handling problems. If the sub was completely flooded within 8 hours there would have been no way of getting additional help to the area in time. These poor guys were doomed.
I dont think they can do anything even if they act the exact moment when the sub blew up. They cant enter the sub fast enough before it is flooded completely. But this just shows that in this kind of situation, if anything, and I mean ANYTHING that didnt go exactly as planed, Act as quick as possible because every second counts.
@@earlfithian4911 they had plenty of time to do it, sailors were showing signs of life for days. Kursk was a cutting edge tech submarine, so the reason these idiots turned down the foreign aid is because they were afraid top secret military information about the submarine would be leaked/spied on.
What brave men to do this in the first place, especially knowing Russia's track record with using old technology. The lives of these men depended upon people who didn't care about them at all. That is so sad. At least the govt gave the families some financial relief, but nothing can replace a life, which is why you must assume the worst and above all, DO something when lives are at risk. Treat others how you wish to be treated, it's that simple, whether it's a military op or a neighbor, it's a life and must be respected.♡LL
@@dmitricarabetchi4269 spot on. They knew they were alive because they could hear them banging on the side for days. The sad reality is that a rescue for these submariners would've most likely been started much, much earlier had this not been such a highly publicised important naval operation with the accompanying journalists, and the Kursk the new pride of the Fleet. It was P.R. damage control from the absolute start. That's why there was so much "confusion" (denial) at the beginning, rejection of outside help during and such generous payouts to the families after. Sad but true. R.I.P Dimitri & the crew of the Kursk.
My god THIS is my ultimate fear , how this man composed himself in the inevitable fate he was facing is so admirable , my heart goes out to all the family’s . Hope everyone has a happy Christmas! Hug your friends and family and be lucky to not be spending it alone x
Thanks for spreading positivity. Merry Christmas 🎄 ✌️
Thank you happy Christmas to you all
Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you too! ❤️🙏
Yes everyone be lucky you aren't me. lol. I got a Boxer puppy and J. Daniels so it's all good.
Actually it does suck. be thankful everyone.
Thank youuuu wow
I don't know how I stumbled across one of your videos, but I was hooked after the first one. I subscribed and have been watching your channel for a week straight. You tell the hell out of a story. I'll be done watched every video on your channel by the end of the week.
same with me its awesome
Me too! He's a great story teller!
Are you just a natural storyteller or did you practice to get this good? It's not as easy as one would think, you're truly great at it.
May God rest the souls of the Russian sailors that were lost in this terrible accident, we need to remember we are all brothers and sisters in this world, much respect for what you do Mr Ballen
@The other guy Max well said brother well said
Thank you. Yes, we are all connected. Failure to see that makes our world fall apart.
I love that you cover recent events. Some of these occurrences I have heard about in passing but to get true and accurate information means I can speak intelligently if the topic should arise in conversation. With so many claims of media bias. It's refreshing to know at least some outlets are really giving out accurate information.
Tell Russia that
I appreciate how detailed Mr.Ballen is when he tells the story even though he mentioned how the power went out and the temperature plummeted I didn’t think about how Dmitry must have been shivering and writing in the dark. Such a tragedy and even though the Russian government failed the crew on the Kursk at least they took care of their loved ones. May they continue to rest In peace
I appreciate it to but from watching some of his stuff because most of what he covers is already covered on other channels from years ago. He somehow has more information about some of these stories than the damn reports do. He embellishes stuff. it's actually probably why he keeps my attention more. instead of saying then we don't know what exactly happened. he kinda produces and deducts what actually probably happened which could or couldn't be true. Makes for a better story though.
@@jerseybound717 I can see how that can happen. It seems that the info is gathered from various online resources which can turn into a game of telephone if you will.
I remember the Kursk. I don't know if they could have been saved or not, but Russia's response sealed their final fate. I think they refused help initially because it had super-secret tech on board, i.e. torpedoes or the war heads - on and on. I was young then and I felt so horrible for the victims and their families, I wrote a letter to the President of Russia. Silly me.
I find nothing silly about young people writing letters of concern to leaders/authority figures. It is a beautiful thing.
This whole incident is emblematic of the Russian govt/elites’ mentality dating back to at least the Soviet days-the government is what matters, the people serve it and are ultimately expendable. Putin literally stayed on vacation and refused foreign assistance for 5 days because preserving secrets and avoiding embarrassment was more important than saving his men. His MILITARY men. And this only happened because “stunning breaches of discipline” in manufacturing led to “shoddy, obsolete, and poorly maintained equipment”. Their words.
This mentality seems to foster a lack of functional integrity within Russian institutions, and this is the result. Look at Chernobyl and the Ukraine invasion, same sh*t! The actual quality of work doesn’t matter as long as things work well enough to allow the elite to keep getting what they want out of them.
@@bestxcrunner2013it also allows them to subtly blame their people for what happened, accusing them of shoddy work. When it’s really them cutting corners to most likely make more money that causes it. But I do think something very different than what is told happened here.
The stories you tell about the ocean, or anything underwater for that matter, are my favorites. I'm a fellow diver and find stories about this content intriguing and terrifying. Thank you for telling these stories with grace.
Mine are the Spelunking (Caving) stories being a former Spelunker myself. So, I understand what you’re saying there.
I am just severely claustrophobic (weird. I know. I’m a “Face your fears” type guy. And I never went TOO tight. These underwater & Caving stories just terrify me, make me happy my happy ass is sitting right here on flat land in SouthWest Florida. Lol!
Where do you do diving if you don’t mind me asking? We do all of are’s in Florida! And planning too move down in the next year or so. Just trying to find the right location pretty Sarasota fl most likely.
I specially love them too but they have scared me from ever trying diving.
Agreed. I'm also a diver and these stories are 100% my favorite
They are my favorite also.
OMG What a horrible way to die, and knowing it was coming! Bless their souls and their families! So So happy that you are back to tell us these stories! Thank you!
how was the paper he wrote on still legible though?
Oh bless your poor heart..................
Lol...
So glad your here to tell us these horrible stories! How wonderfully awful! Don't get me wrong, I love these stories. It just sounds hilarious.
@@aaronhopkins8957 “omg that’s terrible!!…tell me more”
Given the circumstance, the men in the first five compartments were "lucky." Their deaths were immediate and they didn't have to suffer.
Omg this broke my heart. His courage when death was quite literally staring them in the face would be far beyond what most of us are capable of.
You'd be surprised what you could do when faced with a deadly situation.
I was about 9 years old when this happened and still remember watching news. All those family members, who were waiting on the pier waiting for the news about their loved ones: mother, fathers, wives, kids.
Still today it sends me shiver all over my body
Being a former sailor in the military,I've always had the utmost respect for any and all bubbleheads. The thought of being in a sub has always been extremely scary for me.the bravery of these men and the horror they experienced is unfathomable to me. may God be with all the families of these and all the other sailors of the navy's of the world.semper paratus!!
Mr ballin I love your stories the one I liked the best so far is where you went to the mountains with your friends and your friend's father had recently passed away and you were sleeping with that friend in the room and the father spirit shows up at the cabin comes up the stairs into your room and falls into the young man sleeping next to you and scared that the jeebies out of you! Great stories
@@markhayworth1617 Mr. Ballin would most likely notice your comment better if you posted on the main wall under his video instead of underneath another commentors main post 😉😉
ha
I love your reply and I want to be a soldier when I grow up. I pay great respect to those who died in world war 1 2 and beyond. 😢
I'm a submarine vet (sonarman) from 74-86 and I mourned for the sailors on the Kursk. Some see the Russians as the enemy and maybe they are, as a fellow submariner I see them as individuals with families and children just like me and facing the same risks that I did. There are times when things get dangerous, you don't have time for fear, you must react to the situation and when it is over you can then think or say "Damn, that scared the crap out of me" laugh it off and move on. I am sure the sailors on the Kursk acted professionally and honorably until it was over. RIP brothers.
This man is such a good storyteller, that he could tell me a story about a green bean growing up in a small town and working at the local carpet mill and I would absolutely believe it and be intrigued the whole time.
I'd listen to that story. I'm already making up names for the green bean and titles for the book. I'm partial to Teegan Lee the Green Bean who Loves Trees. 😁
Hahaha, I honestly wish I had his story telling skills.
And he's good looking too. That makes it even more intriguing.
That green bean is me
New York Times Bestselling Memoir: "Dean Bean Joins The Carpet Team."
The KURSK. I closely followed this story as it broke. Russia refused assistance from Norway, the US, and others. Their instructions were to go to their bunkers, lie down and breathe regularly, staying calm to await rescue. What a horrible tragedy. I felt for those men and their families. Rest In Peace.
*bunks
I would rather die that way than of cancer , or being beaten to death by rioters.
@@randybaumery5090 what??
@@randybaumery5090 BLM👍🏽🗣
@@the99mistakes there is no what. Some deaths are peaceful.
I've walked around on a submarine tour and even above land, I felt claustrophobic. Can't imagine what these men went through.
The way that you tell these stories is completely captivating.
You should narrate audio books. I could listen to you all day long.
Agreed!
It's like listening to my dad tell a bedtime story and I always want another one because I can't sleep
@@GlennDavey Yes! That's a perfect interpretation.
@@loveinspired7 Thank you! 😊
And definitely would be a 1000 times better if me and you could listen together with my arms around your heavenly body..... O dearest love 💗 thy earthly angel.
Hey man glad to see ya back. Just wanna let ya know that my girlfriend and I listen to your stories every morning and you have been a huge part of our recovery from a crazy crazy life. Much love from New Mexico.
Thanks for watching!
Happy to hear you turning your life around, Mr. & Mrs. strangers lol - IT takes A LOT of will power to actually start heading in the opposite direction, but it is EVEN HARDER TO STAY ON THAT PATH! But now that I'm around 4 years in recovery I can say that it IS the GREATEST decision I've ever made and looking back, it wasn't as hard as I was expecting whenever I thought about "everyday, for the rest of my life" - that's why they say 'one day at a time, or one hour at a time" etc - because look at the "BIG picture" will ALWAYS seem much more daunting that it really is.... once you get over whatever physical changes your body goes through, then that initial period of pure boredom (which for every is a completely different amount of time because you HAVE TO find something that TRUELY INTERESTS YOU to occupy your time, or else that boredom will NEVER go away and you'll go back to your old habits) it becomes easier and easier IF you have changed your people, places, and thing that used to be a part of THAT lifestyle....
For me boredom has been a REAL trigger in relapsing, that and money :( Money is the hard one because you cannot avoid.... but I found that not keeping cash around REALLY heled me...(ESPECIALLY large amounts that aren't pre-allocated and spent quickly - like just having $100 in my wallet and nothing that I 'need' to spend it on would even be a trigger - so I found that buying something that makes me happy is a great way to stop the cash from being a trigger - but I tried to buy things that I can easily return or sell incase I need that money for something more important or an unexpected bill -like just buying that returnable thing just so I didn't have the cash on me to possibly trigger me - but this was all before I realized I can just get Prepaid Visa debit cards that are essentially a bank account...
shit I'm sorry for rambling lmao - can you tell the lockdowns have changed me? i don't get out much even after the lockdown were lifted.... the vax/non-vax debate has kinda split up my group of friends from hanging out in person, and I lost my job because of it, so I don't interact with people much anymore, so any chance I get I tend to ramble on and on lol - sorry
GOOD LUCK WITH STAYING ON THE RIGHT PATH!!! IT TAKES GUTS TO START THIS JOURNEY, BUT NEVER FORGET THAT YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO IT ALONE!! THERE ARE PLENTY OF PEOPLE THAT WILL HELP YOU IN ANY WAY THEY CAN, YOU JUST HAVE TO FIND A MEETING AND INTRODUCE YOURSELF (I'm not a meeting type of person, but just knowing that if it gets tough I can always go to one and get some backup and make some friends has been a big help - the knowledge that I'm not alone has really relieved a lot of stress) I'll be praying for you and you girl
@@Nobe_Oddy hahaha I honestly appreciate the long novel. This is how my gf and I text eachother constantly and she loves to take a long long time thinking about the words and feelings she is putting into each and every message she sends me. Which I have not experienced before from anyone ever in my life so it makes me feel very loved. This is also how I know that you know exactly what you are taking about and what we are going through. Thank you for your kind words :) thank you for also staying on the right path and good luck to you as well.. you seem like you have a good head in your shoulders and for sure we are not alone. My lady and I have lived through some insane things things that would probably have killed most but after that lifestyle a hard day today is laughable. We slip up from time to time as humans are want to do. But I know between her and I.. our will power and our love is in breakable. Again ty for the ramblings. Have a great day :)
The second I heard the name "Kursk" I knew the story, and my heart sank. I'm Norwegian, and I remember this story very well. Our goverment and navy/navy divers pleaded the russians to let them help, to no avail. The norwegian divers were practically chomping at the bit from day one to please let them get in and help.
This entire saga is so sad.
RIP to the brave brothers from the east.
The only thing i heard was, sub, training excercise, freezing water and knew exactly what it was about, it's been 21 freakin' years? So many governments pleaded to let them help, mine as well, ready to go. But no, they had it all covered and screwed it up miserably, it still pisses me off.
How come they wouldn’t accept any help? Was it a pride/image thing?
@@tdscoop We big, we stronk, what puny help could you offer us. Not with these exact words, but yeah, that was the gist of it. Without having any experience in these kinds of delicate operations. We had ships who with some simple modifications could easily helped them in time, if they were send from the start of the disaster, but Russia was to busy thinking we gave a crap about their "state secrets" or something we couldn't care less about. In the end, they were of course heavily critisized by countries around the world.
@@Patrick_The_Pure this is very typical remaining from the socialist time mentality. They never tell the truth. They always hide. They don't mind sacrificing their own people. In the name of what? Few days after Chernobyl disaster happened it was 1st of May - labour day. In my country Bulgaria people were marching under the rain full of radiation. We had no clue what happened. The top leaders were not there. They've been hiding about what happened for more than a week. In the mean time people were eating contaminated vegetables and disposing themselves on the radiation. Finally we understood the truth thanks to Western radio stations, which some people could illegally listen.
@@tdscoop Because the Kursk was extremely expensive? Full of technology they did not want to share with anyone else. Every other nation on this planet would do the same if they had a weapon shrouded in secrecy lying at the bottom of the ocean. Imagine if an American nuclear sub sank and Russia or China offered to help? The US would decline in a heartbeat. Government's think in terms of resources and geopolitical advantages, sadly (and this applies to every nation) that means valuing war equipment over lives.
I remember this very well. The crazy thing about this was, that several European countries sent ships and wanted to help, but the Russians turned away the helpers.
What a heartbreaking story. I can’t even imagine what it’s like, waiting to die like that. Dimitry died doing what he loved, I hope that brought some peace to his family.
Theres some stories and shows on yt where they lift the kursk up should watch it aswell :P
@@FrostBeam009 Will do, thanks!
I was just a young mum in the UK but I remember rushing downstairs every morning to turn on the news to see if the men had been saved. An awful time and heartbreaking to discover they'd all perished
Was an awful time! I too, would get up and check the news for them, the whole country really got behind them and were WILLING them to survive - somehow! 😞
I was doing the the same thing in the US! And now we find out they were dead the whole time. It’s very sad.
Mr.Ballen… you are the best storyteller on UA-cam. Keep on with the amazing work. Much love from Jersey. 🙏🏽
Thank you! And my wife is from Jersey!
same but much love from Australia
@@iggypiggy5314 perth??0_0
@@MrBallen aye, that’s really cool! May God bless you & your entire family Mr. Ballen. Take care.
@@FritaLay yeah
gross negligence is an understatement
the fact they could've been saved is the worst part of all this
And arrogance on the part of their superiors. Unnecessary loss of life. RIP all these young men.
I remember this. I was outraged and horrified when help was refused. Those poor sailors! They were betrayed by their superiors that refused help. An entire crew lost for nothing more than ego/pride.
RIP Sailors of the Kursk ✌😿
Classic Russian attitude, sacrificing human lives so the country doesn't look "weak".
@@ratflail215 and yet Muricans idolise them because their military propaganda videos are about “hey we are russians men and we are rough and tough!”
@@mmyehokayyy2 not sure who you interact with on a daily but in 27 years I’ve never met an American who idolizes russias army 🤣😵💫
@@Tactics_Actual i was thinking the same thing lol definitely not
@@Tactics_Actual Mmyehokayyy is talking about the Russian recruitment video vs. The US Navy recruitment video. And I'd have to admit the US Navy video made the US look weak, it had nothing to do with the military it was about a "sailor" talking about her "two mothers". It was leftist bs and nothing to do with military prowess. I feel ashamed and betrayed because I served in the Navy for 6 years.
What a tragedy! These guys are hero’s, and it’s great to know that their families, although heart broken, were taken care of by the Military. Great story
@Wild Fire he cant be 10, hes just being a nobb
@MURPHY’S LAW shut up
@MURPHY’S LAW what a horrible thing to say. How dare you? And I mean that very literally, how do you dare to say something so terrible about people you know nothing about? These families suffered a major loss and no amount of money in the world can compensate for that. The families were not given millions, they received ten years wages, a free place to live and a college education for the children, this is a fraction of what their loved ones would have earned had they lived to continue working. Never mind the loss of a life partner or a father or son. Any person with half a brain knows this isn’t close to enough, no amount could ever be enough to make up for losing someone you love. Any person with half a brain would know this, I guess this tells us all we need to know about you, doesn’t it? Thunder
@jordy willaert
Well dang
That’s depressing
@MURPHY’S LAW Ahhh, bless him MURPHY'S LAW is feeling all lonely and had to turn to UA-cam for some attention and TLC. Are you feeling unloved? Do you need a cuddle? Bless him.
I knew someone who had been brutally attacked. She got up and started walking the 8 miles to the hospital. I had said, "I could NEVER have done that!" She said, "You don't know what you are capable of until you are in that situation!" You never know what you are capable of until you are in a situation. Dmitry probably would have said he would freak out if he got trapped in a sunken submarine (prior to it actually happening) but when the situation occurred, he found a strength and purpose in detailing what had happened. God Bless his soul and the souls/families of all concerned.
I remember the news from that time, I was around 8 years old and I was hoping they’d manage to rescue at least some of the men every single day the submarine was down. My heart broke all over again for these men.
I absolutely cannot imagine how scary that would be. Thank you for being such an amazing and respectful story teller, you and Bailey are my absolute favorites, hands down!
Mr.Ballen 6 months ago on one of your videos I told you I was gonna become an 11Bravo infantry, and you were one of my biggest inspirations to join the military. I just wanted to let you know that I earned my cross rifles, and I’m getting stationed with 101st airborne division at fort Campbell. I’ll be going to air assault school. Much respect to you for inspiring me to take this road.
This is awesome! Much respect to you Soldier...
God bless you.
My dad was in the 101st back in 82/83 time frame, in ft.Campbell-he has amazing stories had so much fun at ft.campbell after he waa stationed in Germany for a year or two-day thank you for your service!! Ft.c has a special place in our hearts in this family
How scared they must have been knowing that they didn't really have a chance to live through this . My cousin is a sub mariner in Georgia. This makes me think of him . He has been in the Navy as a Sub Mariner for 25 years now . I cant imagine all the things he has went through . I think it takes a special kind of person to do that . Thank you for yet another great video!!! Take care and stay safe my friend !!
All respectful for your cousin. That takes a lot of courage to be in a confined space with a chance of sinking beneath the ocean . Very brave people with nerves of steel💪💪💜💜🙏🙏✝️✝️.
@@maniacalmadness5419 yes they have to have nerves of steel! Thank you . 😊
As a Swedish person, dating one of the Norwegian divers; ( I'll refer to him as B and the ship as S, from now on); that did the dive into Kursk; I remember the story about that accident. (It was all over the news as well, of course). B wasn't allowed to tell me details, but he said it was the saddest dive, he had ever been part of.
B also said, that the crew of S..., (and probably all of the people involved with the "war games"), were so FRUSTRATED and ANGRY over the Russians refusal to accept help! The equipment and manpower, were AT SITE AND READY; but the Russians wouldn't allow them to dive down into The Kursk !
They were spewing some nonsense about " military secrecy"!
Such a WASTE and IDIOCY !!!
Especially since the Russians had to ask the Norwegians for help in the end ANYWAY !!!
B told me, that many of the crew and divers, were ready to ignore the Russians, do the dive anyway..., despite orders and risk of being court marshaled, as well as loosing their pay and careers. B said, it was very close to "mutiny" on S.
Had it not been for the risk of A REAL WAR , B and the crew on S; could have SAVED THOSE POOR SOULS 😔
Instead the poor boys in compartment nine, had to die a cold and horrible death 😭
Now when I recall this story, I remember why B resigned, and started diving for the oil rigs in northern Norway instead.
Unfortunately that lead to separation for us. 💔
I can understand there frustration, not the first and probably not the last time Russian pride gets people killed, so you're Swedish and single?
No sir, you're making your story up! You just want all the attention for yourself! You probably never even dated a Norwegian diver! Or maybe not even a Norwegian!!!🤨. 🤣😂
Thanks for sharing this perspective of the tragedy.
That is such a heartbreaking story. It is so sad that those people were left to suffer and die slowly in the dark because of the incompetence of those in charge. Like "gee that felt like some rather aggressive explosions. We can't contact the sub participating in the exercise. Hmm, oh I am sure they're fine." Just boggles the mind that people who think like that are in charge.
Yeah, news about an underwater explosion were reported on Norwegian TV quite early. With a fairly accurate location, possibly before the surviving crew perished. We knew the score well before the Russians would even mention it.
And the memory of the Tchernobyl reactor explosion and its aftermath was still quite fresh...
I highly doubt that the people in charge were too incompetent to realize what happened and take charge. I believe that the government delayed the rescue efforts for so long for three reasons. First, they initially wanted to keep the explosion a secret, in hopes that they could save (some of) the crew without it becoming a huge media scandal. They were in the middle of a training exercise, meaning they didn’t want to have to release ANY details of what was going on there to the public unless it was absolutely necessary. Second, once they realized what happened, they denied help from international sources because they didn’t want their top secret info to be seen by outsiders. The sub they were on was said to be their newest marvel; so it contained a LOT of new tech that the Russian navy was testing. They denied outside help because they DID NOT want any other countries to see their newest warfare measures. So, for 9 days, they tried to handle the situation on their own. Then, on the 9th day, they conceded, knowing that delaying the truth would only cause more scrutiny than it’d save. Finally, after realizing that containing the event was inevitable, the navy had to do damage control. They for sure knew more about what happened than they released, and they painted the story in a way that would look as heroic as possible; while also trying to deter from the way they neglected to save the survivors of the two blasts. They then paid off the families of the deceased because they knew that they’d face backlash. Military families are very keen to the workings of “protocol”. They would’ve easily seen through the media attempt to save face and know that their loved ones didn’t have to die. They were paid off in order to not fight back. They knew that their loved ones were left to die because the government wanted to protect it’s war tactics and new tech from being seen by outsiders. And they knew that their husbands would rather see that they be taken care of for life as opposed to them struggling in their absence.
So, incompetence was not at play here. The reaction of those in charge was very well “by the book”. It’s very evident in how they interacted with the media.
spoiler alert
I knew the story of the Kursk pretty well, but as it is with every single story you tell us, you narrated it from a different perspective than the one that's usually presented, you don't use a cold, clinical tone but instead, after you've done extensive research, you tell the story with a strong focus on the victim's & hero's own perspective, making us not only understand but really LIVE through ordeal they were faced with.
You bring to life and give a voice, a humanity to those who can't speak anymore. You bring them back to life for a moment and make sure that they stay alive forever in our memories!
Like I said, I KNEW ABOUT the Kursk incident, but NOW, I KNOW ABOUT THE TRAGEDY THAT BEFELL THE CREW OF THE KURSK!
This comment
Ya well said. John has a gift of doing this. It makes me listen to every word he says. Cheers John
Nice essay. You deserve atleast the consolation prize - a pair of woolen socks.
Congratulations!!!
@@acidbabe573 I sense a tiny bit of sarcasm, just as you probably can sense a bit of euphemism from this comment.
However, such a great video delivered by such an amazing human being absolutely deserved to be praised. I find it important to take the time/opportunity to congratulate, thank and express how much of a important & positive impact people like John have!
But... Besides finding it long, did you appreciate what I said? Or just came to troll (which doesn't bother me since it was very respectful and hence "trolling" is much too strong a word)?
@@christiangauthier727 nah,, I wouldn't wanna call myself a troll coz I sincerly don't hate ya... I just love playing around, even times making others laugh. Idn if that's trolling or so be it, all I care is I don't have those evil disturbing thoughts towards strangers.
Also I do essays myself before and I'm gonna do now only coz I feel as I had a little bit (or not) hurt ya feelings, and so as a methadone apology - Tbh I admire John surely more than ya would expected from me. I also agree to yr first comment about all of him but the thing is I again like acting as an opposite person... I like to say no when inside it's absolutely yes, so instead of just agreeing I'll naughtily act opposite to what he/she feels.
So that's me explain myself as best as my knowledge allows me, but I'm not singing any sympathy song.
I bet ya even think I have some loose screws imma head.... oops that's true😄😅 I guess I just love to fool around, make a fool of myself whtevr.. ..but l promise ya that physically I wouldn't even hurt a fly unless it literally flew into my mouth 😅 ☮️
I feel like Mr ballen is the most loved and respected youtuber atm. I love watching these videos!
hat off sir and keep up the good work!
I definitely feel very fortunate to have such a great group of people tuning in!!
@@MrBallen and such a HUGE!!!! GROUP!!! About to break that 5 MILL MILESTONE!!!! - I hope you do SOMETHING BIG!!!!!!!!
@17:02: What a complete disaster and tragedy.
On the bright side, Dimitri's an ABSOLUTE CHAD for holding it together for so long, even when he knew he was dying. I was waiting for him to write a note to his wife; I knew he was going to do so...just had to hear it!
I've been on YT for years, but after discovering this channel it's by far my favorite channel. I actually go to bed at night listening to these stories (my wife is like WTF are you listening too?!) Honestly it's not because of the gruesomeness or outcomes, but it's because MrBallen has the knack of the best story telling ever. I feel like a little kid listening to a campfire story.
I too fall asleep to these stories. The ads ruin it for me though haha
I'd have nightmares immediately if I listened to one of these going to sleep!!
My hubby was also tired of me binge watching/listening to Mr. Ballen when I first found his channel, but I could see how he was getting hooked with some of the stories. Now that I'm all caught up and I only have three or four stories a week (two in UA-cam and two in the podcast) he doesn't mind. He also knows what I mean when I say stuff like, "I brought a coworker to that inspection because I don't want to end up in a story from Mr. Ballen's channel." 🤣
Btw, the person doing the channel in Spanish has good Spanish, but not such a nice voice. Sounds cartoonish instead of mysterious.
I can't fall asleep to this. If it's interesting I won't fall asleep
same!!!
Nothing makes me appreciate my life more than knowing that there is a new MrBallen video. A mastermind of storytelling. We love you sir. :)
Get the boot out of ur mouth. He’s pretty good, but he’s not some mAsTeR sToRyTeLlEr 🤪
Not dying tragically in a submarine 350 ft down in ice cold water helps me appreciate life...
This dude needs a hug and an actual reason to appreciate life...yikes 😬
@@ce6ej, he is the greatest story teller of all time. He's the G.O.A.T.
I’ve never been happier for a UA-camr. Seeing mr ballen’s subscriber count soar is awesome. I hope his pockets are busting at the seams from this awesome content. Thank you for the stories sir
thank you Cameron!!
I couldn’t agree more! My kids and I look forward to his videos! Amazing content and the way Mr Ballen presents it is always phenomenal!
@@MrBallen my sentiments exactly. I miss my dad’s storytelling ability. He passed in 2016, and ironically, our surname is the same. His name was Steve Allen. People tell me I inherited his storytelling ability, and maybe I did, but you are the closest person I’ve ever heard that could tell a story about anything, and keep his audience captivated. 🤩 Thank you! 🙏🏻 I know that many people do not realize the magnitude of work required to research, film and edit videos. Blessings to you and your family! ❤️
When it comes to war, there's never a winner
There was no war back then.
@@suonatar1 doesn't matter, they were still training for a war scenario
@@lesbianduck7862 what war were the casualties of then? 😒😒
Okay, then the next time you're physically threatened, just put your arms behind your back and let the assailant beat the crap out of you. You lose either way, right? What the hell did this video have to do with war anyway? Kryste, when someone has something stuck in their little brain they can never seem to get out of their own way.
This is the most terrifying story I've heard in a while. Such an unnecessary tragedy. I tried taking a nap while listening to this and as someone who loves water but realizes it's power .... gave me such chest crushing anxiety I couldn't breathe. This might also have a little something to do how well Mr.ballen is at detailed story telling
I too was a water dog. I get it. Davy Jones claims his best.
Go watch the story of the men trapped in pearl harbor. The marines guarding the sunk ship could hear them banking on metal for almost 3 weeks before they all died... That's heart breaking to my friend...
@@joysanders59 my uncle butch burlette just wrote a book about his time as a commander in the us navy he was on subs and many other ships as well...
Fr tho 😂😂😂🤷🏻♂️😿
Exactly soo accurate. Am so sad
I kept thinking you’d say “And so the crew in the last three chambers were rescued and Demetri was rejoined with his wife. He never dove again and left the navy and now works in Minsk as a sub safety advisor.” But, as usual, it didn’t go that way and I feel like crap. Still Ballen, I never miss an episode. Thank you. 👍🏻🇺🇸
Yea when there’s no definite end to the story,I believe it’s always not good,i also thought the guys will be saved
@@mrsinkzn Your'e both obviously under 25 yrs old, this was international news back then and I knew straight away from the name Kursk how it was going to end
It was one of the biggest tragedies in Russia and the government was highly criticized for the response
Or over 50 with memory problems.
@@mrsinkzn there was one in recent history that was good, relatively speaking. Roy Benavidaz and a remarkable life.
You are the only story teller that my wife likes to hear of mine; when we are on long drives I play all your videos! She and I enjoy them a lot
Just discovered this channel yesterday. I’ve watch four videos already. Love your story telling. Just the right amount of detail to be informative, but not too much to make us disengaged.
I remember when this happened. I was so mad when Russia took forever to rescue them. My heart was broken for the crew and their families!
I remember it, too, and how we all waited and hoped whenever we read or watched the news.
They don't even bother to collect their military dead from the Ukraine war.
yea, russians just don't have regard for individual life like americans and europeans... for example, if USS indianapolis happened to russians, nobody would've been saved..
and look at what they are doing now. very sad.
I remember this heart breaking story too. The russian navy should have gone into rescue mission the moment there was any concern at all. It was just terrible.
Humanizing these tragic tales makes me weep.
The details of lives expands the story to be so compelling.
Thank you, Mr. Allen
Even though Mr Ballen’s stories have put me off camping for life… I can’t help but feel like a camping trip with him telling stories around a camp fire, would be a complete dream!
I would settle for him telling stories with a flashlight in the dark.
Bring lots of equipment...