Unveiling the Mysteries: Exploring the Enchanting Ruins of Kraterniy Military Settlement

Simushir Island is part of the Kuril Islands, located in the middle group of this vast ridge. Although relatively small, spanning about 60 kilometres in length with a diameter of 13 kilometres at its widest point, Simushir boasts three active volcanoes. The tallest among them is Milne, reaching a height of 1,539 meters.

At the northern end of Simushir, you’ll find Broughton Bay. In 1978, a military camp known as Kraterniy settlement was constructed there to serve the Soviet Navy’s requirements. The well-preserved monument stands as evidence of this significant event.

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Broughton Bay is a circular formation of volcanic and bedrock resulting from the eruption of an ancient volcano. Its impressive size, with a diameter of 5.5 kilometres, allows for the convenient accommodation of numerous large ships. Moreover, its depth of 200 meters is sufficient for modern nuclear submarines. In line with the military doctrine of the 1970s, plans were made to establish the second-largest base of the Soviet Pacific Fleet after Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. The intention was to relocate submarines, anti-submarine ships, and even the aircraft carrier “Minsk” to the existing 137th Brigade of water region protection (WRP). However, during the perestroika era, the 137th Brigade was sold for scrap to China.

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To ensure that the future base would avoid becoming a trap for the fleet, a challenging problem needed to be solved. The entrance to the bay had a shallow channel, only 13 meters deep. One audacious idea emerged: using a nuclear explosion to deepen the passage. Fortunately, Academician AP Alexandrov, the director of Kurchatov’s Institute, arrived in Simushir and recognized the presence of several active volcanoes. Consequently, the decision was made to clear the passage using conventional explosives. In 1978-1979, thousands of tons of decommissioned warheads from torpedoes and sea mines, produced as far back as 1908, were transported to Simushir. Explosions were conducted, resulting in witnesses reporting a towering column of steam, smoke, and basaltic grit reaching a kilometre in height.

There are rumours that during the discussions between Mikhail Gorbachev and Ronald Reagan on Disarmament Affairs, one of the conditions presented by the Americans was the elimination of the Soviet Navy base in Broughton Bay.

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Have you ever visited abandoned houses? If so, you may recall the distinct ambience they possess. In Russia, there is plenty of such places. Unique scents, sounds, and colours accompany them. While exploring these sites, you can’t help but move quietly, tiptoeing as if in a seriously ill person’s room, a church, or a cemetery.

In the case of ghost towns or villages, these sensations are intensified manifold. Kraterniy is one such ghost town, where mist enveloping the hills only amplifies this impression. Here, you’ll come across enormous tanks bolted to the floor, remnants of a garrison kitchen with tanks labelled “1st meal,” “2nd meal,” and “3rd meal.” The first tank has been pulled out of its base, its cover torn, and its sides pierced. The second tank is heavily bent, while the third remains untouched. It leaves you wondering whether the force or time ran out to complete the destruction. Sadly, this pattern can be observed throughout the area.

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Someone went to great lengths to disfigure and ruin everything that remained. One can only wonder who these people were, capable of bending an iron bathtub with sledgehammers, tearing metal doors, and even shooting at non-residential buildings with a machine gun.

Amidst the desolation, there are poignant reminders of the past at every turn. Neatly framed military oaths, picturesque landscapes of central Russia painted by an unknown artist, and the corner of a cobbler’s workshop are glimpses into a bygone life.

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Exploring the abandoned military settlement of Kraterniy on Simushir Island is an experience that lingers in the mind. The ruins and eerie atmosphere transport you to a different time, evoking a sense of curiosity and fascination.

Via: [englishrussia]