Underwater Espionage: The Secret Cable Operation in the Sea of Okhotsk

A clandestine operation involving a potential underwater cable reaching the Pacific submarine fleet command in Vladivostok has come to light. This cable, if it existed, would stretch 2,500 kilometers along the seabed of the Sea of Okhotsk. The operation was conducted by a ship experienced in secret missions, which had previously located a sunken Soviet submersible. Equipped with advanced tracking technology, including a wire-guided torpedo with sonar and cameras, the vessel was well-prepared for the challenges of deep-sea exploration. The divers involved in the operation faced significant risks, descending to depths of around 120 meters. They utilized specialized breathing equipment to combat the dangers of high-pressure environments, undergoing rigorous preparation in hyperbaric chambers to eliminate nitrogen from their systems. The mission required careful planning, including the use of thermal suits and safety cables to ensure the divers' safety against strong currents. The Halibut submarine, which participated in this operation, made multiple trips to the Sea of Okhotsk in the mid-1970s. During these missions, it was discovered that the missiles in question did not utilize the anticipated guidance systems. Data collected during the operation was recorded on large magnetic tape reels, powered by a small plutonium nuclear reactor. The operation's mastermind, Captain Bradley, passed away in 2002 without receiving public acknowledgment for his contributions. Meanwhile, Ronald Pelton, who sold his knowledge of the listening system to Moscow, died just a few years ago, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with Cold War espionage.