[Paladin2]

The explosion was likely some sort of ammo lit off by the fire.

The question is was the fire a missile strike or smoking rooskie sailors spilling high test wodka around?

[Hugh the Scot]

Directed energy weapon maybe.

[seowulf]

The question is was the fire a missile strike or smoking rooskie sailors spilling high test wodka around?

There's nothing like a sailor dropping a cig butt to make the rest of the fleet scramble to get out of missile range.

[catnipman]

“The question is was the fire a missile strike or smoking rooskie sailors spilling high test wodka around?”

either way, doesn’t speak well of the russkie navy ... supposedly, the russkies moved the rest of their fleet a further 80 KM out to sea, which would indicate a missile if true ...

[Jimmy Valentine]

Good possibility. The Russians have been experimenting with rocket and torpedo propellants which are extremely volatile and unstable. We tried several variants and found them too unstable to use. This is what caused the explosion and sinking of the Kursk.