Russian Arctic Expedition

As noted yesterday, a number of states are vying for control of the Arctic. Russia seeks to extend its territorial waters all the way up to the North Pole. To do this, it is collecting geological and geographical data to prove that much of the Arctic is an extension of its continental territory. An icebreaker and a research vessel were dispatched from Murmansk with great fanfare to collect data on the Arctic Ocean and its seabed. However, the BBC reports that on the second day of its expedition, the research vessel experience engine troubles. The problem was reportedly fixed and the two vessels continue on with their expedition. The goal: to send a mini-submarine down 4,200 meters (14,000 feet) to study the seabed and to carry out scientific research. The mini-submarine was to be launched on Sunday, but these recent events will delay the launch.